Shots aren't falling. Defense isn't happening. Coach Don Nelson is looking haggard and further and further away from the league's all-time wins mark. Frustration is setting in for a franchise that captured the NBA's collective heart only two seasons ago.

"It's difficult for me considering the concrete and groundwork we laid when we got here, to where we are now," forward Stephen Jackson said after Monday night's 109-98 loss to the Dwight Howard-less Orlando Magic. "It's frustrating that the guys I had here, the guys I had success with, are here no more."

* Feeling sorry for Jackson

Jackson didn't say those words with malice. He's simply painting the cruel picture of what the Warriors have evolved into without their once-heralded run-and-gunners, guys like Baron Davis, Jason Richardson and Matt Barnes.

But fortunately for the Warriors, Jackson is not about to rip the franchise, and not because he just got a new contract at the start of this transition season. He, as he put it, is "learning how to play young ball."

He's struggling with that concept, as well as a hand injury, as well as a new offensive approach where the Warriors are emphasizing a drive-and-kick scheme.

"My game is catching (the ball) on the wing, going one on one and scoring. That's where I've had my success," said Jackson, who shot an ugly 3-of-14 from the field and finished with 12 points against the Magic.

Feeling sorry for Warriors fans

Monday night's game was the Warriors' last at home until a Dec. 26 visit by the reigning champion Boston Celtics. Up next is a five-game road trip for the, ahem, W's, who are 7-18, their worst start since 2000-01.

This was the Warriors' sixth game under 100 points this season. Wasn't it just last season when the Warriors' high-scoring ways led to a streak of 37 straight games over 100 points? Yes, it was, last January through March.

The cast of characters around Jackson isn't inspiring. Newly acquired guard Jamal Crawford looks too tentative. Guard C.J. Watson's had his moments, but he looks like someone's kid brother who's been summoned to play just so they can run full court.

Shooter Marco Belinelli is still a crowd favorite, but raw. As for the young stars of the future - Anthony Morrow, Brandon Wright and Anthony Randolph - they've been too inconsistent and Nelson gave them scant playing time Monday night.

"When I see younger teams, I get thirsty, because I know I'll be successful," Jackson said. "The good thing with our youngsters is they're not backing down."

Feeling sad about the immediate future

This season really is going to test Nelson. But he insists he's going to get his players to "play the game the right way. We're not going to let them get down. We're trying to get better and I'm sure that we will."

They will get better when their lineup gets back Monta Ellis (ankle, suspended) and Corey Maggette (injured). Meanwhile, like most struggling NBA teams, they're a team lacking chemistry, not to mention a big-name superstar that teams must have to legitimately put a scare into opponents.

But after seeing them shoot under 42 percent Monday night - 25 percent in the second quarter -- all the Warriors are scaring now is the back iron on those rims.

Topping off the night -- and topping off the Warriors' official game notes -- is this error about the final score: "Golden State 98, Magic 1109."

Look for Cam Inman's Web-only "Candid Cam" takes whenever there's a breaking sports story, or whenever Cam's got something to say _ in short, just about every day. You can reach Cam at cinman@bayareanewsgroup.com