It looked like the Knicks were finally in the clear. But they should have learned this lesson long ago. There is no “in the clear” when Trae Young looms.

It might be unfair to fully judge a Knicks team missing a starter (OG Anunoby — foot) and a key rotation piece (Mitchell Robinson — ankle), but Wednesday’s 149-148 overtime victory over the Atlanta Hawks only added fuel to those questioning whether the Knicks are legitimate title contenders.

Karl-Anthony Towns followed up Tuesday's 40-point performance with a 44-point effort and Jalen Brunson had 36.