Knicks’ grades from their 127-102 Game 5 loss to the Celtics in Boston on Wednesday night:
Jalen Brunson, C-
Frustrated all night by Jaylen Brown, who put forth an inspired defensive effort while holding Brunson to 22 points on an inefficient 7-for-17 shooting. Brunson also fouled out early in the fourth quarter.
Karl-Anthony Towns, D-
The Celtics felt so secure about Towns’ inside game that they gave the defensive assignment to Jrue Holiday, who more than held his own while stifling the 7-footer. Towns needed to be more assertive and aggressive. He wasn’t.
Mikal Bridges, D+
Inefficient and ineffective and just overall underwhelming play from Bridges. Managing just nine points in 40 minutes shouldn’t happen.