Despite missing center Kristaps Porzingis for the fifth consecutive game due to illness, Boston fielded its most complete lineup in weeks, bolstered by the return of veteran guard Jrue Holiday. However, it was star forward Jayson Tatum who stole the show, delivering a dominant first-half performance to lead the Celtics.

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0)

© Scott Taetsch-Imagn Images

Tatum erupted for 22 points, four rebounds, and four assists in the opening half, giving Boston a four-point lead at the break. Via their official stats page, the Celtics announced that Tatum is third in a very impressive NBA category.

Tatum’s 20th 20-point half of the season placed him third in the NBA behind Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32) and Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards (31) for the most such halves this year.

After a hard-fought first half, the Celtics pulled away in the third quarter, extending their lead to 20 points, with Tatum adding another 10 points to his tally. Despite a Lakers’ rally, Boston held on to secure the win, with Tatum scoring 40 points.

Now a six-time All-Star, Tatum continues to have one of the best seasons of his career, serving as the driving force behind Boston’s quest to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors.