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NBA Power Rankings: ESPN, SB Nation Have Kings Figuring It Out, Warriors Still The Same

Are the Sacramento Kings starting to get a little love? That's what it's looking like as the SB Nation NBA Power Rankings have the 8-15 Kings sitting at no. 23 in its recent rankings.

SB Nation had this to say about the Kings:

"Paul Westphal tried to publicly show up perhaps his best player. Guess how that worked out? Since Keith Smart took over, DeMarcus Cousins has been a machine, and Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thornton have come around. This team could be on a four-game winning streak heading into its only national TV appearance on Thursday."

It's funny what can happen once a coach a group of players have tuned out is finally removed. Now this young collection of talent may finally find its way. Only time will tell.

ESPN ranked the Kings at no. 22, up four spots from last week, but mentioned how the return of Marcus Thornton may have been the reason for Jimmer Fredette's first two DNP-CDs of his career.

Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors are mired in the same old song.

Here is SB Nation's take:

"The Warriors have changed in one area under Mark Jackson: they are not nearly as fun to watch. Golden State's offense still cooks, but at a much slower pace. The defense is still horrid. Stephen Curry is still a walking injury concern. Nothing ever changes in this world."

And there you have it. ESPN ranked the Warriors at no. 21, two spots up from last week but spoke on how the ever-faithful Warriors fans have to be getting tired of the same level of inconsistency that has plagued this team for awhile now.