The Knicks actually were pumped to be busing across the Hudson River last night to reclaim bragging rights from the new Nets.

When was the last time that was the case? How ’bout never.

The Nets have always looked at the confrontation as a big game, but the Knicks have taken little joy in stomping on their poor cousins. On their list of rivals the past 10 years, the Nets barely registered behind Miami, Indy, Michael Jordan’s Bulls, Toronto and Philly.

It’s changing, with the 6-1 Nets off to their best start in history and Jason Kidd pronouncing the Jersey franchise won’t be No. 2 in metropolis much longer.

Yes, the 4-5 Knicks, trying to get back to .500 after two straight wins over Portland and undermanned Miami, were ready to relish quelling Kidd-mania.

“It’s an exciting game because they’re playing well,” said Knick guard, and Jersey resident, Mark Jackson, who would have all he could handle in defending Kidd last night.

“It should be a lot of fun. We played them twice in the preseason, split with them. Last time they really jumped on us, handled us pretty well. We’re excited about it.”

Indeed, it took a thumping in the preseason finale in Albany, when Kidd ran the ball down the Knicks’ throats and fed Kenyon Martin for breakaway dunks, to initially awaken the Knicks. Last night could be the start of something special. Oh, how departed Stephon Marbury wanted – and failed – to make the Nets-Knicks special the past two years.

“It’s much more fun than it’s always been,” Allan Houston said. “We’re going in as underdogs in their arena. It’s going to be a lot of fun. It’s going to be a challenge. But we’re desperate for our first road win. What better time to get it than [last night].”

The Knicks were 0-4 on the road entering The Swamp, where their faithful, unable to secure Garden seats, tend to flock in droves.

“[The Nets] are probably looking to win people over, so people consider them the No. 1 team in the area,” the Knicks’ Latrell Sprewell said.

Jackson said it’s too early to anoint the Nets.

“They have to understand being 6-1 does not allow them to be No. 1 in this area,” he said.

Strong words. Just what a rivalry needs.

Jackson also believes too much credit is going Kidd’s way, and not enough to his accomplices.

“Jason Kidd is a great, great point guard,” Jackson said. “So much has been made about Kidd [fitting in better than] Marbury. I believe they’re both great point guards. The difference is, the guys around Jason are playing better than they’ve ever played. They’re playing like different guys.”