Without Josh Hart and OG Anunoby — and still awaiting the return of Mitchell Robinson — the Knicks did just enough to avoid blowing a double-digit second-half lead.

Even with Josh Hart added to the street-clothes crew with a knee injury, they kicked off their final stretch of 28 regular-season games by pulling out a gritty, 113-111, overtime decision.

Aside from what he’s done individually, Towns’ skill set and presence has helped create one of the best offenses in basketball. It’s not just his shot making, it’s his passing. It’s not just his size, but the gravity he provides as a shooter at his size.