Celtics Edge Lakers in Overtime Thriller, Tatum Scores Career-High 52

Jayson Tatum delivered the performance of his career Tuesday night, scoring a career-high 52 points to lead the Boston Celtics to a dramatic 128-125 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at TD Garden. The explosive scoring display showcased why Tatum is considered one of the NBA"s elite talents and helped the Celtics maintain their position atop the Eastern Conference standings.

The game was a back-and-forth affair from the opening tip, with both teams trading baskets and momentum shifts throughout regulation. LeBron James, in his 22nd NBA season, proved he still has plenty left in the tank with 34 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists for the Lakers. Anthony Davis added 28 points and 12 rebounds, giving Los Angeles a formidable inside-outside combination that kept them competitive throughout.

Tatum was unconscious from beyond the arc, connecting on 9 of 15 three-point attempts while shooting 19 of 32 from the field overall. His previous career high of 50 points came earlier this season against the Miami Heat, but Tuesday"s performance elevated his game to another level. The 26-year-old forward scored from every spot on the floor, displaying the complete offensive arsenal that has made him one of the league"s most feared scorers.

The game remained tied at 118-118 at the end of regulation after a controversial no-call on what appeared to be a foul on Tatum"s potential game-winning three-pointer. In overtime, both teams continued their offensive showcase, with Tatum scoring 8 of his 52 points in the extra frame. A clutch three-pointer with 47 seconds remaining gave Boston a 125-122 lead they would not relinquish.

Jaylen Brown contributed 24 points and 7 rebounds for the Celtics, while Kristaps Porzingis added 18 points and 9 rebounds in the victory. The win improved Boston"s record to 42-12, maintaining their three-game lead over the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference. For the Lakers, the loss was a missed opportunity to gain ground in the competitive Western Conference playoff race.

The performance puts Tatum in elite company, as he became just the eighth player in Celtics history to score 50 or more points in a game twice in the same season. With the NBA All-Star break approaching, Tatum"s dominant display serves as a reminder of his MVP candidacy and the Celtics" championship aspirations heading into the season"s final stretch.