OKLAHOMA CITY - It was another road game, and another impressive showing from Omri Casspi.
Casspi followed up his 22 point, seven rebound effort in Phoenix with 17 points tonight against Oklahoma City.
The more Casspi plays, the more it looks like both of the Kings first-round picks will have big roles this season.
Tyreke Evans was supposed to step in play immediately. It was assumed Casspi would need more time to adjust to the American game.
After watching the last two games that might not be the case.
"Casspi just keeps making steps every game to prove he belongs on the court," said Kings coach Paul Westphal. "And when you have a player that keeps playing that you've got to put him in the game."
Casspi started for Kevin Martin who sat out the 104-89 win with a sprained left ankle. Martin should play in Friday's game against Utah.
If he doesn't, Casspi should be fine filling in again.
Casspi's improvement is quite the change from Summer League, where it looked like he'd be a non-factor as a rookie.
"For as lost as he was for a while he's caught up fast," Westphal said. "He's not making tentative mistakes very often anymore. He's working on the areas his game needs to be tightened up a little bit. He's been probably the surprise of the camp."
Also have to point out how well Donte' Greene played tonight.
When I asked Westphal about Greene before the game, he said the biggest struggle for Greene was learning to play in a disciplined structure and that he was coming along well.
Greene made for of five shots for 11 points. He also had three assists and two steals.
Those stats show Greene is catching on to the message. Move the ball, take good shots and play defense.
"Donte' Greene did a real good job," Westphal said. "Only took one shot that I questioned. Other than that he played a fine game."
--Jason Jones
