"Just a different mindset. We're not just worrying about who is scoring, this, that and the third. We're a team. We started that since training camp," Thompson said.

Thompson isn't putting up numbers that are off the charts, but he is playing admirable defense and fitting in to the team's system well. His frontcourt teammate, DeMarcus Cousins is putting up incredible numbers – averaging 22.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. But the numbers aren't what Boogie is focused on.

"Not worried about individual stats. A lot of selfishness is gone, I could even say it with myself. I'm not worried about if I'm touching the ball or not," Cousins said. "So it's a lot more team-oriented and at the end of the day, it's about winning a game, so that's the biggest thing that's changed in this locker room."

"Guys are really trusting in each other, they're communicating with each other, they're holding each other accountable and it's great to see," Malone said.

Collison echoed this.

"I really think it's just practice. Our work ethic, the fact that we get out there defensively. We're always getting after each other. We're fighting, we're arguing, we're trying to win every single game against each other, so it starts in practice too," Collison said. "We're trying to make a commitment on the defensive end and I think that's where it starts. We consider ourselves as one of the top defensive teams in the NBA and that's our goal, so I think that's what's helping us out right now."

"A lot of vets, a lot of experience in here, Darren Collison, Ryan Hollins, guys that have seen the playoffs and know the will to win and they are bringing a lot good will in," McLemore said. "With this whole locker room we all want to win. We want to get to the playoffs. From DeMarcus, Rudy, me, JT, everybody, Reggie [Evans ]…We have that mindset that if we play as a team, play together, play hard…play together man, I think this is the year for us."

"We did everything together, I think the fact that we were over there and ate together, practiced together, walked around together and did everything together kind of helped us," Gay said.

Malone has admitted the time changes that came with the China trip took its toll, but did say that it was a positive outing for the team overall.

"Maybe that trip to China was worth the thousands of miles we put on because this team has come together," Malone said.

Rebounding is another reason the Kings are where they are – as a team, they currently rank third in the NBA in rebounding. One of those rebounders is Thompson, who has been with the Kings since 2008 and has never reached the playoffs. He, like his teammates, has high hopes for the rest of the season.

"We don't want this to be just a fluke man, we want it to be consistent," Thompson said.

The Kings are playing consistently tough basketball, but like most rising teams, they are still learning how to win and handle success. A good foundation in the locker room is always a good start.