Glen Davis is high on the new-look Knicks’ potential.
But to maximize that potential, the Celtics forward said the Knicks have to change their priorities.
“I think they have to be more defensive-minded,” “Big Baby” said after Boston’s 96-86 victory at the Garden last night. “Everybody can’t score. They’ve got to get stops.”
And Davis should know defense — Boston is one of the NBA’s finest defensive teams.
The Knicks have gone toe-to-toe with the Celtics, a potential first-round playoff opponent, the last two times they’ve met but have come up short both times. On Dec. 15, Boston won 118-116 when Amar’e Stoudemire’s 3-pointer was waved off, and last night’s game was tied with 3:28 to go before the Celtics ran away with it.
While they haven’t gotten over the hump, the Knicks have gotten the Celtics’ attention.
“Very good. They’re explosive. They put points up fast,” Kevin Garnett said after facing the Melo-’Mare Knicks for the first time. “Amar’e [has] another star beside him. Two stars beside him with the experience, with Chauncey. And [Toney] Douglas off the bench.
“It’s a hard team, man. They can put some points up fast. They’re explosive. They’re one of the more deadly teams in the league.”
Celtics coach Doc Rivers is also a huge fan of the deal.
“They’re much better. On paper. Eventually they will be on the floor,” Rivers said. “They’ve got two of the top 10 players . . . in the league on the same team. That makes you a better basketball team. They’ll figure it out.”
Like Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni, Rivers had to handle multiple stars. In the summer of 2007, the Celtics traded for Garnett and Ray Allen and paired them with Paul Pierce. They won the championship that year and have remained one of the league’s best teams.
“[Boston] had the luxury of training camp, which absolutely helps. It just takes time.” Rivers said. “At the end of the day, it comes down to [the players]. It always does.
mark.hale@nypost.com