NBA

Knicks thrilled to be back at Garden

The Knicks debuted on the Garden floor yesterday for the first time this preseason for a two-hour practice. Because of the second phase of Garden renovations highlighted by a new upper bowl, the Knicks didn’t play any of their six-game preseason schedule on their home floor.

They visited non-NBA arenas in Hartford, Montreal, Albany, Syracuse and Long Island and otherwise were holed up at their Westchester campus. Coach Mike Woodson got clearance to give the Knicks a quick taste of the spruced-up arena, which still remains closed for business.

Next time the Knicks take the Garden court, the defending-champion Miami Dream Team will grace it on Friday in the home opener — somehow an afterthought considering the Brooklyn buzz created by Thursday’s season opener against the Nets.

“It’s about time, man,’’ Carmelo Anthony said of being inside the Garden. “We were kind of mad we didn’t have any preseason games here. But the overall big picture, they’re doing a whole new arena for us. Hopefully Friday, this place will be rocking.’’

The next time the Knicks take to their practice court is unknown with Hurricane Sandy hitting the Metropolitan area. The Knicks are considering cancelling practice, though Woodson is adamant about trying to hold one. Because the team’s massive amount of preseason injuries failed to establish a chemistry, Woodson promoted these final days of practice as huge in terms of continuity with players getting healthy.

Several Knicks this season, including Jason Kidd and Anthony, live in Manhattan and will have great obstacles getting to Westchester.

“I was telling [the public relations staff] to get cots because I still want to practice regardless,’’ Woodson said, only half-jokingly. “Some guys are closer to the facility. My concern is guys in the city making sure they give themselves enough time to get to [Tarrytown].’’

One of Woodson’s big accomplishments last season when he took over for Mike D’Antoni was making the Knicks a force at the Garden. As part of his 18-6 interim record, Woodson won his first nine games at home. The Knicks finished 22-11 at the Garden, .667 winning percentage that was their highest since 2000-01.

“It’s always good to practice on our own floor,’’ Woodson said. “This is where we will gain ground this year. My whole sales pitch as a coach if you’re going to make noise in this league, winning the division and hosting first-round games, you’ve got to win at home. We were pretty good down that stretch last season, so there’s got to be a carryover.’’

Kidd, especially as a Net, saved his best for MSG. Yesterday was the first time he was in the arena in Knicks gear. “This is the best by far, my favorite place to be,’’ Kidd said. “We’ll see if the new digs get the same results. My results have always been good here.’’

Kidd used to walk on water at the Garden and may have to do that to get to Westchester today.

“Coach said no matter what, we’re having practice tomorrow, if you have to swim to get there, you have to get there,’’ said Kidd, who will sleep in Manhattan. “We hope everyone’s safe but I’m going to take my chances and challenge Sandy.’’

Anthony was more realistic about whether today’s practice occurs.

“I don’t take nothing for granted,’’ he said. “I’m scared of Sandy. Just hearing of New York having a hurricane, it doesn’t sound right. I’m not one to play with Mother Nature. I’m staying in. I’m not coming out.’’