OKLAHOMA CITY — One big reason Metta World Peace has turned into Queensbridge’s favorite garbage-time performer is young 6-foot-10 big man Jeremy Tyler, who posted the first double-double of his career (12-11) in Friday’s 117-90 rout of the Nuggets at the Garden.
With big men Kenyon Martin and Andrea Bargnani out indefinitely, Tyler has maintained his rotation spot and is ahead of World Peace. Coach Mike Woodson — for a change — is going with youth over experience.
Tyler, who re-signed Jan. 1 after being cut in training camp, scored in all ways Friday, including two 15-foot jumpers, a spinning fastbreak dunk off his own steal and a jam following a nifty behind-the-back pass from J.R. Smith.
“[Tyler is] playing well, been playing well,’’ Woodson said. “He’s done a wonderful job. He’s got to keep doing it. He’s growing as a young player and putting his time in practice. When you do those things, good things happen.’’
Tyler said he has worked on his mid-range game to complement Amar’e Stoudemire. The two have made a decent frontcourt tandem.
“STAT is a pop guy and likes to drive,’’ Tyler said. “I try to space the floor. Anything 15 feet in, I’m comfortable.”
If this continues, Tyler could turn out to be the Knicks’ best offseason signing. Currently, newcomers Beno Udrih and World Peace are out of the rotation and candidates to be dealt at the trade deadline.
“Tyler’s getting confidence game after game,’’ Tyson Chandler said. “He’s going to be huge for us. He’s very grounded and has a bright future.’’
The Magic did the Knicks no favors Friday, handing the Thunder a rare 103-102 loss at the buzzer.
Kevin Durant had an a rare off night, missing his last five shots. He also didn’t get back on defense for Tobias Harris’ dunk at the buzzer.
Before the win over the Nuggets, several Knicks players were in Manhattan for the Season 2 launch party of “Four Courses with JB Smoove” on MSG Network.
The comic, a lifelong Knicks fan, told Raymond Felton, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Iman Shumpert as he posed for pictures: “I know we’re going to the playoffs, these guys are getting us there!”