James Harden adds another triple-double as Nets drop rival Knicks

In a basketball-mad city, it’s stunning to think Monday marked the first time in eight years the Nets and Knicks faced each other with winning records.

It didn’t take long for the Nets to drop the Knicks from the ranks of the winners, beating their cross-river rivals 117-112 before 1,637 at Barclays Center.

The Nets (27-13) have won an NBA-high five straight and 13 of 14 to pull just a half-game behind East-leading Philadelphia.

Kyrie Irving’s game-high 34 points and James Harden’s triple-double led the way. But for the Nets, they’re less focused on claiming New York and more worried about winning the NBA.

“That’s fair,” said Steve Nash. “You definitely don’t want to lose to your neighbors. [But] at the same time, we’ve got to improve every night. This is still a team that’s trying to solidify our identity, our roles, how we play at both ends of the floor. Seeking to improve every night is the goal.

“Fortunately, the two things can go hand-in-hand. If we take care of business … we should put ourselves in a position to win.”

James Harden goes up for a shot. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

The Knicks (20-20) have taken real strides this season, developing a strong defensive identity under coach Tom Thibodeau and sitting firmly in the playoff picture. All-Star Julius Randle poured in a team-high 31 points, but Brooklyn held the Knicks to 40.2 percent shooting, and put on a display on the other end.

The Nets shot 57.9 percent, including a season-high 62.5 percent in the first half when they seized command and never gave it back. They played without Kevin Durant and Blake Griffin, but it hardly mattered.

After the Nets saw an 18-point lead cut to three in the waning seconds, Irving’s defense forced a travel by Randle with just three seconds left in regulation to let Harden hit the game-clinching foul shots. Irving proved a tough cover for Knicks rookie Immanuel Quickley, who had 21 in his first career start.

“Every night you’re going to face a dynamic player. Kyrie’s right up there at the top of the list, the way he can handle the ball,” Thibodeau said. “It’s set up with his shooting, too. The guy’s a great shooter, a great finisher. He can create offense all by himself. He’s an offense unto himself.

“The thing I love about Immanuel is the way he approaches it. Every day he learns. That’s why he’s growing the way he is. He’s a student of the game. This will be a good challenge.”