"This is the real NBA." Steve Kerr's sum-up of the Golden State Warriors' three losses on the recent road trip to Texas might be the defining quote of the opening stanza of this season. Shorn of the iconic Steph Curry – and latterly Draymond Green, but more about him later – the team which is arguably the greatest in the competition's history has for once looked mortal. "We haven't been in the real NBA these past few years," the coach continued after defeat to the San Antonio Spurs.