Knicks have the Magic touch

Knicks have the Magic touch

JASON SZENES/EPA

Carmelo Anthony and Knicks are on a roll that grabs attention of NBA legend Magic Johnson (below).

Magic Johnson knows a thing or two about playoff basketball. He has five championship rings to prove it. As an NBA studio analyst with ESPN, Johnson watched the Knicks battle the Bulls, who have the best record in the NBA, and take an overtime victory at the Garden on Sunday.

So when Johnson tells you that the Knicks and Carmelo Anthony are serving notice that they will be trouble if they make it to the playoffs, you believe him.

The Chicago Bulls are the best defensive team in the league. He (Anthony) had 43 against them (on Sunday), Johnson said. Thats saying a lot. When you think about the Knicks and coach (Mike) Woodson talking about defense, Carmelo can now be the superstar that he is. I think whoever they draw (in the playoffs) is not going to want to see them.

Johnson was at the Longacre Theater on Broadway on Monday afternoon, where the play Magic/Bird, which details the on-and-off the court relationship between Johnson and Larry Bird, opens on Wednesday.

As one of the stars of the Showtime Lakers, Johnson knows what its all about to be on the big stage. He thought those two 3-pointers that Anthony hit one to push the game into OT and the other to win the game put Anthony where he needs to be as the Knicks brightest star.

That game (on Sunday) was just awesome, Johnson said. Its going to keep him motivated and keep him going. It also helps make him feel more at home. He said, Look, this is what I can do. He did that against the Bulls. It makes all those doubters or haters come over to his side.

Anthony has starred in the absence of Amare Stoudemire, who is out with a bulging disc in his back, and Jeremy Lin, who had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee last week. The big question for the Knicks is whether Anthony can carry the team through the final 10 games, into the playoffs and through the first round before Stoudemire or Lin can return. Anthony has shifted to power forw ard and has averaged 29.8 points in the seven games without Stoudemire and Lin.

When Amare comes back hes got to figure out where do I need to be and where do I go. Carmelo can get it done, Johnson said. Amare is not the same Amare and hes got to get comfortable with that.

Johnson said the Knicks defense has been impressive, particularly the way that center Tyson Chandler has embraced his role. He also appreciates the tenacity of rookie guard Iman Shumpert. And he likes the way that the players have bought into Woodsons philosophy.