OKLAHOMA CITY -- Rick Carlisle has vowed that Vince Carter will fit in and the coach is trying his best to figure out where and when to plug him in.

Carlisle found 16 minutes, 11 seconds to play Carter in Thursday's 104-102 loss at the Oklahoma City Thunder, and it looked as if Carlisle's final substitution to get Carter in with 9.3 seconds to play and Dallas trailing 101-99, would be perfect timing. Carter, just 2-of-7 from the field at that time, but having hit a big jumper with 2:58 to go, drained the go-ahead 3-pointer from straightaway after Dirk Nowitzki drove and kicked it out.

Carter, who earlier in the game jawed with Thunder forward Serge Ibaka until the two were separated and issued offsetting technicals, pumped his fist a couple times as he and the Mavs believed they had wrapped up that elusive first victory.

So where does Carter fit? It's not in the starting lineup. A backcourt that averages close to 37 years old (Carter and Jason Kidd) just isn't a realistic defensive option to start games. Jason Terry is the first shooting guard off the bench, so Carter has to fit into situations and matchups.

"I'm ready to play when he calls my number," Carter said. "I don't want to be a statue, I want to be a player. On this team it's not about how many points you score, it's how effective you are, move the ball, make plays."

Carter said he understands his role on this team is going to veer from his career track. He said he's ready.

"I told him [Carlisle], 'Hey, whatever, it's all about winning,'" Carter said. "That's what I want to do. I'm not really into arguing about, 'Hey, I should be starting.' No, I should be productive for the team and that's what I worry about."

Entering this season, the eight-time All-Star had started 907 of 925 career games and averaged 36.3 minutes a game. Last season's 28-minute average was the lowest of his career. He has averaged fewer than 20 minutes in three games and he played 16:11 Thursday, nearly eight coming in the fourth quarter when he was subbed in and out late in the game and delivered five big points.

"I can't tell you how impressed I am with Vince Carter after three games," Carlisle said. You're talking about an eight-time All-Star. And, really, if you look at his stats and his career, he's a sure-fire Hall of Famer. He is willing to do anything we ask of him to help us win. He was willing to come off the bench, no problem. I had him come in for one possession when Dirk was out. He hit a big shot, then came right back out of the game. Then he's ready at the end to knock in that shot.

"That's what we need. We need some other guys to step up that aren't getting it done."

And that latter comment from Carlisle just might have been directed at the other high profile addition that is 4-of-27 from the floor with 13 rebounds and shoots a reality show on the side.