The Golden State Warriors left Phoenix still searching for their first victory, but with more evidence that their young centers can contribute when the rotation is stretched.

Graham Ike and Charles Bassey combined for 22 points and 17 rebounds in Saturday’s 131-122 loss to the Suns. Their production gave coach Steve Kerr something to consider beyond a third consecutive defeat to open the season.

Golden State rested Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Brandin Podziemski and Al Horford. Jimmy Butler III, Moses Moody and Kristaps Porziņģis also remained unavailable, leaving the Warriors to rely on players with opportunities to establish larger roles.

“All 17 roster guys, or 16, or whatever it is should feel like they have a stake in this thing,” Kerr said, according to NBC Sports Bay Area. “Nights like tonight, that's proof that they do. And that they're going to get their opportunity.”

The Warriors received meaningful contributions from that group. They also committed mistakes that prevented those performances from producing a win.

Ike finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds in 26 minutes during his second NBA start. The undrafted rookie from Gonzaga, playing on a two-way contract, delivered a double-double while handling an expanded assignment.

Bassey supplied 10 points and seven rebounds in 13 minutes off the bench. His production allowed Golden State to get useful minutes from both centers rather than depending on one player to carry the position.

“The name of the game is to stay ready when your name is called,” Ike said. “Ultimately, I just wanted to be prepared for when my opportunity hit.”

Their performances were particularly relevant with Porziņģis unavailable and Green and Horford resting. Golden State needs dependable alternatives when its experienced frontcourt players cannot play.

One productive game does not resolve the rotation. It gives Kerr more evidence as he evaluates which combinations can help across different matchups.

The next question is whether Ike and Bassey can sustain that production as assignments change. Their Phoenix performances strengthened their cases for future opportunities.

The centers were part of a broader effort that kept Golden State competitive despite its absences.

Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg scored a team-high 26 points, adding nine rebounds and five assists in 36 minutes. De’Anthony Melton contributed 25 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including four makes in eight attempts from 3-point range.

Melton’s performance followed a 10-point outing Friday after he went scoreless in the season opener. His improving shooting gave the Warriors another source of offense alongside Lendeborg.

The game featured 14 lead changes before Phoenix established its first double-digit lead late in the third quarter.

Golden State’s ball security proved costly. The Suns scored 26 points off 17 Warriors turnovers, gaining extra opportunities in a game decided by nine points.

That leaves Kerr with encouraging individual performances and a clear team problem to address. Getting production from deeper in the roster matters, but protecting possessions must accompany it.

Golden State’s young players showed they could handle greater responsibility. Turning those contributions into victories is the next step.