Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Celtics post historic first half against Warriors

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 3/3/24

Boston Celtics small forward Jayson Tatum is showing why he's a bona fide MVP candidate, spurring a historic first half against the Golden State Warriors.

With 3:15 remaining in the second quarter, Tatum hit a 27-foot, step-back three-pointer, giving the Celtics a 71-32 lead. At the end of the first half, Boston led 82-38, the largest halftime lead in franchise history. Tatum had 20 points in the second quarter.

Tatum hits the 3... Deuce approves

GSW-BOS on ABC pic.twitter.com/xFdygwOq2S
— NBA (@NBA) March 3, 2024

the largest halftime lead in franchise history pic.twitter.com/tusuIskYOh
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 3, 2024

The Celtics (47-12) are hitting their stride. They have won 10 straight games and are first in the Eastern Conference. As of Sunday, FanDuel gave them the best NBA title odds (+210).

"This is the best team in the NBA," Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic said after the Celtics crushed Dallas 138-110 on Friday, via the team website. "I think we played great for three quarters, but it's tough to win here, especially against this team at this point."

During the streak, Tatum has raised his game, averaging 28.1 points, nine rebounds and 6.7 assists per game. According to FanDuel, he has the fifth-best MVP odds (+2300) behind Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets).

Tatum, 26, is one of the best players in the NBA, but he's still looking for his first ring. Clearly, he has a solid chance to capture it this season.

More must-reads: