Knicks’ Game 5 report card: Nightmare for starters — with one exception

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-

Karl-Anthony Towns barrels into Jrue Holiday during the Knicks’ Game 5 loss to the Celtics. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

The Celtics felt 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.