As the elevator made its way to the fifth floor, my mind started to wonder. Sure, the team had mustered up some impressive wins, weathered a few away contests and grinded out some close nail bitters but, in actuality, what did it all mean?

After all, as a vulnerable fan, you live in the moment.

The end result of a three-pointer in the closing seconds of a game could make your night, or ruin it entirely.

A free throw in flight during the last moments of a double over time game could be the deciding factor in making you 1-0 or 0-1.

It’s no different than the status of the Golden State Warriors, who are tied for first in the Pacific Division entering December. Fans have soaked in the team’s early success, understanding that maintaining this position in one of the most competitive divisions in the league isn’t a formality for this ball club. But really, when has it ever been?

The traditional ding of the elevator interrupted my train of thought as the doors opened to the Golden State Warriors practice facility. A half an hour passed before the doors opened to the media who made their way to the court after the end of the team’s practice.

Amidst Bob Meyers’ frantic explanation of center Andrew Bogut’s ailing ankle was the Golden State Warriors’ team.

A few feet away was rookie utility man Draymond Green hoisting up corner three-point shots. The other half of the court was occupied by fellow rookie small forward Harrison Barnes, who battled one on one with one of the team’s assistant coaches. Then there was starting point guard Stephen Curry who repetitively peeled off of screens in route to a jump shot inside the perimeter. They continued to work, prepare and perfect, long after the end of practice.

And there, taking it all in, was headcoach Mark Jackson. His subtle body language hung in the shadows of the facility as he profoundly watched his player’s work, prepare and perfect.

It’s scenes like this that make you think that maybe, just maybe, the 2012-2013 Golden State Warriors could break the mold.

Years of “they don’t do it to us, we do it to ourselves” are being challenged by every extra jump shot hoisted, every defensive cry yelled and each loose ball scrambled for. The atmosphere in the Warriors practice facility wasn’t that off mediocrity, but of winning.

And that’s just what they’ve done so far entering last Monday night’s home game against the Orlando Magic. A 10-6 record entering the month of December speaks on the character of this team who, without Bogut and shooting guard Brandon Rush, has performed well under the leadership of head coach Mark Jackson.

As The Pioneer spoke to coach Jackson after the practice, he couldn’t be more pleased.

“I’m awfully proud of my guys and the way they compete. We are a no excuse basketball team and at the end of the day we have tailor made excuses when you ultimately lose two of your best five players,” Jackson said. “We’ve got guys who have embraced the opportunity of more playing time and they’ve capitalized on it.”

One player who has made the most of his minutes is power forward Carl Landry. The newly acquired journeyman forward has brought energy and experience off the bench for this ball club, something the Warriors haven’t had in past seasons.

“Carl Landry is a veteran guy who gives us a post presence and knows how to play,” Jackson said. “He brings a toughness to this team and he is as good as it gets off the bench in this league.”

Joining the acquisition of Landry was veteran point guard Jarrett Jack, a high character talent who has thrived under the opportunity as a reliable back up point guard to Curry.

“Jarrett Jack is in the discussion for one of the better back up point guards in this league,” Mark Jackson said. “He is a guy who can defend one’s or two’s, gives us another ball handler and gives us an edge and toughness.”

Attaining proven talent in the offseason was complemented by the acquisition of youthful talent. Barnes was selected with the seventh pick in the 2012 draft and in the process has solidified himself as the starting small forward with impactful offensive and defensive performances.

“He spent a lot of time before the lights came on working on his game and getting ready,” Jackson said. “He gets it defensively and has an ability to make plays and knock down the jumper. He has been a heck of a find and was the right pick in the number seven slot for us.”

Barnes joins a core of young players who have solidified themselves in the Warriors’ rotation. Whether you’re a first year player like Green or second year player like Charles Jenkins, coach Jackson will give you a look, ultimately giving you confidence to play and contribute at the professional level.

“Last year, Charles Jenkins started for us and did extremely well,” Jackson said about the second year product from Hofstra. “He is a pro, he works his tail off and you never have to worry about him on or off the floor.”

“With Draymond, early on, I solely was looking to use him as a defensive stopper. He is no longer just a defensive stopper, he is part of my rotation,” Jackson said. “The guy has an incredible basketball IQ and his future’s very bright. These are the type of guys when you’re talking about changing the culture.”

And the culture is changing.

Whether it’s the wise guidance of coach Jackson or the beaming confidence of Warriors’ players, a certain aura is felt across the board. Players continue to contribute and the wins continue to pile up. This ball club is playing with confidence and continues to do so with team basketball.

Maybe this is what Warriors Owner Joe Lacob, Peter Guber and general manager Bob Meyers envisioned all along. Maybe we are witnessing the transcending of an afterthought of a franchise to an elite NBA championship contender.

Whatever the case may be, coach Jackson is having fun leading this team and understands there is more work to be done.

“It’s been a fun time. I’ve got a group of guys who work extremely hard,” Jackson said. “But the work isn’t finished. We still have a long way to go to finish what we want to accomplish.”