Omri Casspi wore three long scratches on his right arm proudly.
Apparently someone had tried to do what the Memphis Grizzlies failed to do most of Monday night, contain the fiery rookie.
"At the end of the game, O.J. (Mayo) scratched me like this," Casspi said. "But it's OK."
It was indeed OK for Casspi, who scored 15 points off the bench in the Kings' 127-116 overtime win in their home opener at Arco Arena.
Casspi continues to impress Kings coach Paul Westphal with his intensity that is quickly becoming his trademark on the team.
Casspi made six of nine shots, including three of four three-pointers. He also had two blocked shots and two steals.
"He's hungry," Westphal said. "He brings a fierceness. I wish everybody could look in his eyes when I walk down the bench looking to put somebody in the game. He wants to play so bad."
Casspi has shown improvement since a shaky introduction to basketball in the United States during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas in July.
No longer does Casspi look unsure of himself on the floor. And he continues to earn more playing time because of it. It also doesn't hurt he's making shots.
"He's not afraid at all," Westphal said. "It was nice for him to be able to show people what he can bring when the game's tough out there."
Casspi, the first Israeli-born player in NBA history, has an entire country watching his every move on the court.
"Whenever I'm out there I'm just doing my best," Casspi said. "It's the beginning. One step at a time.
"I don't want to rush things. Hopefully I'm going to play like this every game. The next game I might not play the same minutes, but I'm going to be ready, whenever the coach wants me."
Casspi had four points in overtime, including a dunk with 1:07 left that gave the Kings a 118-112 lead and drew loud cheers from fans who seem to be quickly growing fond of Casspi's grit.
But as Casspi's coach continues to praise his play, the rookie remains focused on doing more to get on the court.
"I'm going to keep working hard, keep earning his trust," Casspi said.
"When he says (complimentary) things after the game, it gives me more confidence to play more. I'm happy and I just have to keep working hard and get better every day … ."
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