It’s typical of the Knick-Net rivalry: The two-time defending East champs bludgeon the Knicks – and a day later, all the buzz is around the Garden.

This time it was because of yesterday’s blockbuster deal that brought Stephon Marbury to the Knicks, along with Penny Hardaway.

Marbury, a Coney Island native, once was the Nets’ franchise player until GM Rod Thorn dealt him for Jason Kidd.

Now Marbury is back at home. And both Kidd and Thorn say it’s a move that makes the Knicks a serious contender for the playoffs.

“The way the East is right now, no doubt they’re right there,” Kidd said.

“I don’t know how many games they’re out [of a berth], but they go on a two-game winning streak, they could be in the fourth spot. That’s the way the East is now.”

Said Thorn: “He was a terrific player for us, and I think he’ll be terrific for the Knicks. He’s from this area, and he has a history of playing well in the Garden way back to Lincoln High School, so he’ll do a terrific job.

“He’ll make [the Knicks] a better team and a tougher rival.”

The Nets have won 11 of their last 12 vs. the Knicks, including 98-95 Sunday night at the Garden.

Kidd said it was only a matter of time before new Knick GM Isiah Thomas took drastic steps.

“It’s good for the Knicks, especially with what’s taken place,” Kidd said, alluding to their fall.

“Isiah isn’t going to sit around. He’s going to try and make them better. Teams are all trying to get better . . . [but] it’s definitely going to make the Knicks better, no doubt about that.”

Marbury spent three losing seasons in New Jersey before being swapped for Kidd on July 18, 2001.

Both stars have struggled against each other. Net coach Byron Scott thinks that’s because they’ve been trying to outdo one another.

“We haven’t played well against each other,” Kidd said. “[But] he’s not a rival. Steph is one of the top guards in this league.

“You’ve got to bring your ‘A’ game or he’s going to get the best of you.”

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Scott was named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month – surprising considering the team’s tumultuous month and Kidd’s Dec. 13 tirade aimed at the coach.

Said Scott: “I think it’s funny, to be honest, because of the way we started – everybody writing us off, doubting us, and now we’re playing good ball and find ourselves atop the division again.”