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

#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.