The Zen Master already is having an effect, and he hasn’t even started on the job.
Phil Jackson will inherit a Knicks team that has won a season-high six consecutive games when he takes over as team president next week.
In their last game pre-Phil, the Knicks hammered the lowly Bucks, 115-94, at the Garden on Saturday to break an 0-7 streak in early matinee games this season.
Soon, Jackson may be fluttering through the locker room handing out motivational books. For now, it’s been bliss and 10 days of winning.
“I’m a chess player, so that was a power move right there,’’ Anthony said in his first remarks since the Jackson signing became official. “We’ll see the next one, but that was a great power move.
“It’s not a distraction at all. If anything, it made us come together as a team and unit, to keep that on the outside. We’re excited it got done instead of speculation — finally signed, sealed and delivered. We’re ready for that next chapter. Right now we got things to take care of.’’
The recent creampuff schedule for the Knicks (27-40) is as much a cause for this six-game streak as any Zen vibes floating around MSG. The Jackson hiring does come at a strange time, but timing is not owner James Dolan’s strong suit. The move is one for the future, but the current Knicks team is all about now.
“Looking to the future as players, it is [difficult] for us to talk about what’s to come,’’ Anthony said. “But we got to really are focused on the task at hand and still trying to make this push and to not look forward to next season at this point. The easiest thing to do is to start talking about next season, but the guys seem confident and focused.’’
The Knicks stayed 3 ¹/₂ games behind the eighth-seeded Hawks, who beat the Nuggets, 97-92, on Saturday. The Knicks have won by double digits in all six victories — the first time in franchise history since the 1969-70 title season — but only Minnesota has a .500 record among their opponents.
The Knicks received terrific marksmanship from their trio of shooting guards while Anthony racked up a solid 23 points with seven rebounds.
Rookie Tim Hardaway Jr. dazzled with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting, J.R. Smith added 15 points and Iman Shumpert 14. Amar’e Stoudemire chipped in with 15 points, six rebounds and a vicious swat.
“We’re playing great basketball on both ends,’’ Stoudemire said.
“The energy we have in the locker room when we’re around each other, instead of trying to wrack our brains out and pinpoint why we were losing, it’s now, how we can build on this momentum?’’ Anthony said.
It’s uncertain whether Jackson will immediately throw himself into the locker room or remain in Playa Del Rey, Calif. He is expected to attend the Pacers game Wednesday at the Garden when the Knicks take a big leap in class.
“I can’t really answer that question,’’ Woodson said of Jackson’s role. “This is going to be new for Phil. Phil is always in the locker room coaching and teaching. Normally as GM you have to be able to teach, support and build and do all the things necessary to put your team together. I don’t know what to expect.’’
Center Tyson Chandler, meanwhile, made his return from a two-game absence from a family illness in California and played 25 minutes to anchor the defense.
“That is what we got accustomed to last year and this is what we want to continue to do,’’ Chandler said. “If we take care of our business, we have a great shot.’’
“It’s unfortunate we waited until our backs were against the wall and dug ourselves a huge hole,’’ Anthony added. “There’s nothing we can do about it. The timing is perfect to start winning some games.’’