Three games into the season, the Golden State Warriors are still searching for their first victory and a dependable answer at center.

Their 0-3 start includes losses to the Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns. The latest defeat, 131-122 in Phoenix on Saturday, offered evidence that Graham Ike and Charles Bassey can help. It also showed why the position remains an urgent concern.

Phoenix shot 58.1% from the field and scored 60 points in the paint. Golden State received useful production from its available centers, but that activity did not translate into enough stops. 

The issue extends beyond choosing a starter. The Warriors need a rotation that can provide size, protect the basket and hold up when their veteran options are unavailable.

Kristaps Porziņģis’ absence has disrupted the Warriors’ plans at the position. He remains away from the team amid an unspecified health issue, leaving Golden State to distribute the workload among several alternatives.

Al Horford offers experience and shooting, but the Warriors entered the season planning to limit the 40-year-old’s minutes. Draymond Green provides another option in smaller lineups, increasing the importance of the younger centers when the veterans cannot cover those minutes. 

That creates a difficult balance for coach Steve Kerr. Playing smaller changes the physical demands on the frontcourt. Using the younger big men gives Golden State more conventional size while asking less experienced players to handle significant responsibilities.

Neither approach automatically solves the defensive problems. The center must work with the guards and wings to contain drives, defend screening actions and finish possessions with rebounds.

Saturday’s paint scoring illustrated the consequences when that coordination falls short. It would be unfair to assign every breakdown to the centers, particularly with so many regulars unavailable, but Golden State still needs an interior structure it can trust.

Ike and Bassey supplied a reason to keep evaluating the options already on the roster.

Ike finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds against Phoenix. Bassey, making his season debut after missing the first two games with knee tendinitis, added 10 points and seven rebounds while making all four of his field-goal attempts.

Together, they collected seven offensive rebounds and 17 total boards. Those possessions helped an undermanned Golden State team remain competitive. 

Their performances matter because the Warriors need contributions that do not depend on running plays for the center. Rebounding, screening and finishing can support the offense while preserving opportunities for the primary scorers.

The larger question is whether those contributions can become consistent enough to stabilize the rotation. One encouraging game provides an opening to earn more trust; it does not establish how the position will hold up across different opponents.

Golden State has potential answers in Ike and Bassey. After three losses, it still needs evidence that those answers can support a reliable defense.