NBA 2018-19: 3 Talking Points from the Houston Rockets' Christmas Night win over the Oklahoma City Thunder

After a convincing win over the San Antonio Spurs, the Houston Rockets hosted the Oklahoma City Thunder for a Christmas Night contest. The Thunder entered this game as one of the best defensive teams in the league but the Rockets had the home court advantage.

The Thunder walked into the halftime tunnel with an eight-point lead. However, Harden's exploits in the third quarter helped the Rockets cut the deficit to only two points after three quarters.

Austin Rivers, who made his Rockets debut against the Thunder, made two big three-point shots late in the fourth quarter to help the Rockets extend their lead. The Rockets-Thunder regular-season series is now tied at 1-1. Let us take a look at three of the talking points from the Rockets' win over the Thunder.

#3 Russell Westbrook struggles from the field

Russell Westbrook could not get it going from the field

Stat line: 21 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 steals and a block on 30 % shooting

After an impressive triple-double performance in the loss against the Timberwolves, Russell Westbrook struggled to get it going from the field as the Thunder lose this close contest. Russ also struggled from the free-throw line as he shot just 7-for-10 from the charity stripe.

Westbrook, who is averaging triple-double for the third straight year, was an assist and a rebound shy of getting one in Houston. He finished the night with 21 points on a poor 6-for-20 shooting, including 2-for-6 from behind the arc.

In this game, Westbrook also passed Scottie Pippen for most steals on Christmas Day. Last time the two teams met was in November when Russ did not play due to sprained left ankle but the Thunder picked up the win.

#2 Clint Capela's monster double-double night

Clint Capela was dominant in the win against the Thunder Credit: USA Today

Stat line: 16 points, 23 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and a block on 53.3 % shooting

After torching the San Antonio Spurs with a 21-point, 23-rebound double-double performance, Clint Capela was once again dominant in the win against the Thunder. He scored 16 points and grabbed 23 boards to put together yet another double-double.

Capela was a monster on the offensive end and grabbed as many as 10 offensive rebounds, including some key rebounds with everything on the line. He was completely dominant in the paint and outdueled Steven Adams.

The night was filled with his monster dunks and he showed why he is one of the most underrated centers in the league. The Rockets' center is currently averaging career-high numbers with 17.1 points and 12.5 rebounds for a double-double.

#1 James Harden's explosive 40-point performance

James Harden had 41 points in the game and led the Rockets past Thunder Credit: USA Today

Stat line: 41 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals and a block on 42.9 % shooting

James Harden continues to dazzle as he poured 41 points to lead the Rockets past the Thunder. He was also terrific passing the ball and dished out 7 assists. James was particularly impressive in the third quarter as he scored as many as 14 points but the Thunder took a two-point lead at the end of three quarters.

In the fourth quarter, the defending MVP struggled from the field and missed several three-pointers and also turned the ball over on multiple occasions with the Thunder getting their act together on the defensive end.

With the Rockets up by 2 points and 20.4 seconds remaining in the regulation, Harden scored on a tough floating jump shot to deliver the dagger.