SubscribeJewps, New York Style
Chuck Burton / Associated Press
Omri Casspi made his Madison Square Garden debut a memorable one last night.
From today’s Times:
Madison Square Garden echoed with boos, which were quickly followed by raucous chants of “Omri Casspi” — a tribute to the Kings rookie, the first Israeli to play in the N.B.A. and a folk hero to Jews around the world.
Casspi scored 18 points on what the Knicks dubbed Jewish Heritage Night. [KK: He also had nine rebounds.]
…
At times Tuesday, the Knicks probably felt like visitors in their own building. The stands were dotted with Israeli flags and the arena was frequently filled with chants for Casspi.
Fans gathered along the baseline to watch Casspi take warm-up shots before the game. The Israeli national anthem was played before tip-off. Casspi seemed moved by the adulation.
“Just try to treat it like another game,” he said, before adding, “Obviously, it’s not another game for me.”
He is growing accustomed to the attention. He has been serenaded in Toronto and Washington and warmly embraced in Sacramento, his adopted home. A local couple named their baby Omri in his honor.
It’s a lot of pressure for a 21-year-old drafted in the bottom third of the first round. But Casspi is handling it well. He is averaging 12 points per game, fifth best among rookies, and is shooting .473 from the field. He has exceeded all expectations.
“By far,” said Jerry Reynolds, the Kings’ director of player personnel. “As a player, we hoped he’d be this good by the end of next year. He’s already way ahead of where we thought he could be.”
Eager to please, Casspi played aggressively from the opening tip. He hit his first jumper three minutes into the game and drew “oohs” from the crowd moments later with a fast-break dunk. He had a team-high 16 points and 4 rebounds by halftime.
In Israel, Casspi has already achieved folk-hero status. Fans rise at 4 a.m. to watch his games. He might be the most famous Jewish sports figure playing in the United States.
“I think it’s tough on him,” Reynolds said. “I think it’s taken a toll, because he’s such a nice person and he really wants to please everybody.”
Casspi seemed eager to finish his pregame interviews and to dispense with all the attention. After all, he had a game to play and a coach to please, too.
“He’s well loved,” Coach Paul Westphal said, smiling. “I hope he plays like he deserves it.”
And Jordan Farmar is saying, “What am I? Chopped liver?” He had 13 points off the bench in the Lakers’ 101-89 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night.
Very nice game vs. the Knicks for Casspi. In the first half, it looked like he would go for 30 plus, but let’s not get too greedy. Double bonus, I hate the Knicks.