All Jacked up!

Jarrett helps Knicks make a point

IT’S amazing what a few wins can do. Coming off a winless preseason and an 0-3 start, there was already mounting pressure on the Knicks organization, despite it being early in the season.

But a win Friday over the Nets preceded a victory over the defending Eastern Conference champion Cavaliers to help right the ship, and Monday’s 116-110 victory over the Nuggets at the Garden have the Knicks riding a three-game winning streak.

A key factor? Jarrett Jack, who has started the past three games after not even receiving minutes in the first two contests.

In particular, Jeff Hornacek said the veteran’s ability to find openings for his teammates is a big reason for the Knicks’ offensive improvements.

“He’s a thinking point guard, in terms of if some guy hasn’t had a shot in a while, he’ll find a way to get him the ball,” Hornacek explained before the game. “If there’s a guy who’s hot, he’s gonna figure out a way to get him the ball.”

Jack has certainly spread the ball around, racking up 10 more assists against Denver, the first time he’s reached double digits in that department since Dec. 30, 2015.

But more than just his on-court ability, the 34-yearold’s experience is a stabilizing force on the bench and in the locker room.

“I’m just a piece of the puzzle,” Jack said. “Everybody has an overall responsibility, and I think mine is just being that calming presence. Trying to lead guys, put them in positions where they’re most comfortable and can be most successful. It’s been translating into some wins, and I know I’m not solely responsible, but I’m just trying to do my job to the best of my ability.”

Now, it’s a matter of whether the Knicks can sustain their recent run. Even though it was a struggle to close out Monday’s win after a strong first half, the resiliency the team displayed could be a building block.

“We’ve got to stay hungry, keep our foot on the gas pedal,” Jack said. “But these are the type of games that build the most character“

Could this be a sign of things to come?

“We showed some fight, and usually when that happens, belief follows,” Jack said optimistically.

JUST BE KUZ

Sitting on the bench isn’t where Mindaugas Kuzminskas wants to be.

“It’s disappointing,” Kuzminskas said before the game. “When we’re winning, I’m happy for the team, but I feel and I know that I can play.”

The small forward had his chances a season ago, playing over 1,000 minutes across 68 games in 2016. But some offseason changes to the team’s personnel has kept the Lithuanian out of action.

“I will play, so right now I’m just waiting for my moment,” he said. “Just control what I can control.”