Undefeated. Unbelievable. Unprecedented.
The Knicks have been all those spectacular things in rocketing to a 3-0 start and stand as the NBA’s only unbeaten team.
One of the best distractions to Hurricane Sandy, the Knicks are back at it tonight against the streaking Mavericks at the Garden. The Knicks could become the toast of the town if they move to 4-0 for the first time since 1993-94, when they fell one game short of an NBA title.
Carmelo Anthony, off to an MVP-like start, sees a tight-knit club only getting better. They will add another big piece tonight when backup center Marcus Camby makes his Knicks debut in his franchise’s second stint. Dallas is 4-1 despite Dirk Nowitzki being out after knee surgery.
“Everybody’s just locked in right now,’’ Anthony said. “It’s only going to get better as far as chemistry goes. We’ll be learning each other even better as every game goes by. That’s going to make us a better team.’’
This is the first team in Knicks history to win its first three games by double digits
“This is a really good, unique team,’’ Tyson Chandler said. “Great personalities. Great chemistry. There’s a great vibe about the team. I’m excited about the season. I think it’s going to be a really good one.’’
Said Raymond Felton, “I haven’t been part of something like this since college when [North Carolina] won it in 2005.’’
Coach Mike Woodson’s defense is tops in the league, allowing 85.3 points per game. They set an NBA record for most 3-pointers after three games (43). After all the bad karma infecting the Garden across the years, this team loves each other.
“Everybody gets along on this team,’’ Anthony said. “Everyone laughs at jokes, has fun as far as the locker room, and that carries on to the court.”
The preseason perception they are too old and brittle has been changed to a unit deep with wise leaders. Anthony never doubted the Knicks would get off to a fast start despite an injury-wracked preseason.
“I knew the work guys put in,’’ Anthony said. “We have guys [you] don’t have to teach too much to play basketball. They know the game.’’’
Finally the light has gone off in Anthony’s head after a pro career in which he has been knocked out of the first round eight of nine seasons. On Media Day, Anthony vowed he would score less this season and do more little things. He has fulfilled his campaign promise.
“That’s what I’ve been trying to do for this team — pass the ball, rebound, defend, just be a leader,’’ said Anthony, who is averaging 26 points, 7.3 rebounds and stepping up in the low post. “Me being in shape, I’m really sharp in all [parts of] my game right now, and it stems from me playing this summer and me knowing what I want. I want to win. My mental focus is a 100 percent. I haven’t been this focused in a long time.’’
The Mavericks will field a big lineup with Chris Kaman and Brandan Wright up front. Woodson probably will keep Anthony at power forward, though he wouldn’t commit. Anthony has been terrific at his new position — strikingly strong on both ends.
“I’m trying to get Melo to do everything,’’ Woodson said. “I don’t want him to be perceived as just a scorer. Melo has been defending for us, rebounding for us. That’s what he’s got to do. The Olympic experience with Tyson gave them an opportunity to continue to play though the summer, and it’s been a nice carryover since winning the gold.”
The game has its subplots with Jason Kidd facing owner Mark Cuban’s club for the first time since defecting in July, and Chandler looking for more revenge after the Mavericks owner didn’t make him an offer last December. Cuban felt burned by Kidd and indifferent to Chandler’s departure.
marc.berman@nypost.com