#Obi Toppin displays improved shot in encouraging Knicks sign

This 3-point shooting rage infecting the Knicks is getting contagious.

Even rookie Obi Toppin caught it Saturday afternoon.

Though he has been overshadowed by Immanuel Quickley’s glittering first season, Toppin emerged against the Raptors and hit two consecutive 3-pointers early in the fourth quarter to help salt away the Knicks’ 120-103 Garden victory.

Toppin finished 3-for-4 from deep in his 8:38 of action. Coach Tom Thibodeau yanked him moments later for Julius Randle after a defensive miscue, even though the Knicks were up 12 points.

Still, Toppin finished with nine points in that span and was a plus-10.

“Obi has been practicing great, I thought he played great tonight,’’ Thibodeau said. “Our bench gave us a huge lift and he was at the heart of it. He puts a lot of time into his shooting. He’s coming back at night. He’s grooving his shot so I think he’s gaining confidence. He’s practicing well too when we do practice. His concentration has improved. So he’s an important part of the second unit.’’

Toppin was shooting just 26.9 percent from 3-point range entering the contest and said the Knicks’ culture is making him grow.

“We all get in the gym and get extra shots up,’’ Toppin said. “We’re all sponges to the game and we’re getting better every single day. It’s helping me.”

In limited playing time because of the mammoth season Randle is having, Toppin has underwhelmed as the eighth-overall pick. But there’s still time for a big — or at least efficient — finish.

The Knicks’ bench outscored the Raptors’ bench, 43-11.

“It feels amazing,’’ Toppin said. “I have to give credit to the team. They have a lot of confidence in me and push me every day to be better and learn. Without those guys, I wouldn’t be doing the things I do out there. Everyone’s a big family here and want each other to succeed.’’

Even if Randle has taken his minutes, Toppin said watching him will pay off in the long run.

“Julius is probably one of the hardest workers I’ve ever seen,’’ Toppin said. “Learning to play behind him is, like, I’m learning a lot. Great player, great guy.’’

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While starting center Nerlens Noel had four blocks, including an emphatic late one on Pascal Siakam, the Knicks had a lot of activity from backup Taj Gibson, who played in goggles after cutting his eyelid Wednesday against Atlanta. The Knicks feared a more serious internal eye injury related to the cornea and wouldn’t let him play the second half Wednesday. But no corneal damage was detected.

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Saturday’s contest began a final stretch of 12 games in 23 days, including six-game Western jaunt that concludes in Los Angeles against the Clippers and Lakers.

“The challenge is [we knew] it would be even tighter the second half, and it has been,’’ Thibodeau said. “Taking care of recovery so important. Getting the proper amount of rest and then maximizing the time you are on the court to prepare.’’

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Starting point guard Elfrid Payton was the only Knick with a negative plus-minus — a minus-7. He struggled through a 2-for-6, four-turnover performance in 14:44 that will serve as more fan fodder for Derrick Rose to become the starter.