"Last Thursday, after going through his first full practice since missing five games with a sprained foot, Mavericks forward Vince Carter made it a point to shake the hands of three Mavericks assistants who remained after practice to put him through extra drills.

How many pro athletes do that, never mind a 35-year-old veteran? On Monday night, Carter further showed his gratitude by scoring 15 first-half points against Phoenix, including 3-of-4 shooting on 3-pointers. "