Omri Casspi is enjoying his best-ever season in the NBA as the Sacramento Kings challenge for a place in the end-of-season playoffs for the first time since 2006.

Last month the Israeli forward, 27, established himself in the Kings starting five for the first time since joining the NBA in 2009. He scored a career high 36 points in the 122-103 defeat to NBA champions Golden State Warriors.

Kings coach George Karl even joked that he “felt naked without Casspi to bring off the bench”.

Sidelined by a back injury at the beginning of the month, Casspi came off the bench to score 17 points in the 110-103 win over LA Clippers. Casspi, 27, is averaging 13 points a game this season and has the third best record in the NBA for scoring three-pointers.

Asked about his improved form, Casspi said: "Experience comes into play — I’m learning my game, learning the NBA. I have a few years under my belt, with different coaches.

"I'm finally playing the system that I wanted my whole career, with the right spacing, right passing and making plays."