"Most players come into the Phoenix Suns talking about what Steve Nash can do for them.

Vince Carter wants to help Nash too. And he is, becoming the go-to scorer the Suns need to relieve the burden of where Nash would find offense in this Suns remix.

With each game, Carter's comfort and production grows. On Monday, Carter had a 29-point, 12-rebound game that was his best Suns scoring effort for the second consecutive game. In the Suns' 129-121 win at Madison Square Garden, Carter also passed the 20,000-point career scoring mark to become the 37th player in NBA history to do so.

"My shot was falling," Carter said. "I just wanted to be aggressive. They beat us pretty good the first time. Being one of my first games there, I felt like I could've given this team more. Now I feel comfortable. I see where I can take shots and make plays for this team more than anything. My aggressiveness has gone up because of it."

Carter is averaging 18.9 points and 5.2 rebounds in 10 Suns games since he took over the role previously held by Jason Richardson, who averaged 19.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game for Phoenix.

Suns coach Alvin Gentry told Carter that he needs him to take 15 to 20 shots per game, even if it means forcing the issue. That was not necessary Monday with Carter making 11 of 20 shots, including 5 of 8 3-pointers, while still having four assists."