The Knicks know they can’t merely show up at Madison Square Garden for tonight’s Game 3 against the Heat and be automatically anointed the winner.

They do know, however, that the Garden’s mystique, history and traditionally raucous sellout crowd can be a huge advantage.

“Just like you can with New York City, you can get star-struck with the mystique, past history of the Garden and get side-tracked,” Marcus Camby said.

Camby was quick to point out that the Garden didn’t intimidate him when he came here as an opponent, saying, “I scored 30 on Larry [Johnson] at the Garden and I remind him about it all the time.”

Latrell Sprewell, who’s become a god to the Garden faithful, cherishes playing there.

“It’s special; very special,” Sprewell said. “But the Heat has played here before. They understand what it’s all about and I don’t think they’ll be rattled.

“But the crowd does bring a certain energy and intimidation, and it’s something we feed off of,” Sprewell went on.

“I’m sure they’re going to be all over Alonzo [Mourning] and Tim [Hardaway] and maybe even Pat Riley right away. That can be intimidating.”

Jeff Van Gundy, however, has clearly sent a message to his players that playing at home guarantees nothing.

“Even though we have the home-court advantage, it doesn’t have anything to do with whether you win or lose,” Larry Johnson said.