PORTLAND, Ore. — Despite a 1-13 stretch, Tim Hardaway Jr. said Jeff Hornacek is still coaching his butt off. It seems to have rubbed off on Hardaway, who’s been the Knicks’ best player by far since the All-Star break, shooting 50 percent and averaging 20.1 points his past seven games.

Hornacek has cited Hardaway for taking charges — which is not one of the club’s strong suits.

“He’s doing a great job in a tough situation,’’ Hardaway said of Hornacek. “Coaches are in a tough situation too. It’s easy for him to fold as well. He’s continuing to develop us as ballplayers, continuing to encourage us on both ends of the floor, especially in practice, continuing to have that killer instinct and mentality to instill in the ball club. We appreciate that and we’ll keep on fighting for him.’’

Problem is, that killer instinct is nowhere to be found in the third quarter when other teams have jumped on the Knicks, particularly on this trip where the Clippers, Kings and Blazers mauled the Knicks after halftime adjustments.

Whether Hornacek returns to fulfill the final year of his contract is unclear because it was Phil Jackson who ultimately made the hire, and Steve Mills and Scott Perry may want to hire their own man. Hornacek said he expects to be back.

“He’s done a very good job,’’ Enes Kanter said. “It’s been a tough season. He’s done a good job keeping the team together.”