![James Harden scored 35 points in a loss on Thursday (Dec. 20). [Image via ESPN/YouTube screencap]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2018/12/21/660x290/b_502x220x82/james-harden-scored-35-points-in-a-loss-on-thursday-dec-20-image-via-espnyoutube-screencap_2168945.jpg "James Harden scored 35 points in a loss on Thursday (Dec. 20). [Image via ESPN/YouTube screencap]")
There were only two games for NBA fans on the December 21 schedule. However, both games featured some impressive star performances. These five players, in particular, stood out with what they did on the courts.
James Harden - Houston Rockets
It was another All-Star performance for reigning NBA MVP James Harden. Unfortunately this time it was in a loss as Houston's winning streak got snapped. Harden finished with 35 points and 12 assists in his game in Miami.
A strong 35 points / 12 assists from The Beard last night.
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 21, 2018
Watch highlights ⤵️🚀 pic.twitter.com/K3NhNrN3TU
Danilo Gallinari - Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are a Western Conference playoff contender which gets a boost from different stars nightly. On Thursday, Danilo Gallinari stepped up. The big man finished with 32 points, six rebounds, and four assists in a win over Dallas.
Danilo Gallinari (32 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST) helped the @LAClippers put away the Mavs at Staples Center! 🔥#ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/xd5aSEVM4U
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 21, 2018
Luka Doncic - Dallas Mavericks
The young phenom is definitely making a name for himself with the Dallas Mavericks. On Thursday night, Doncic was on the losing side of things but scored 32 points to go with five assists and four rebounds.
Luka Doncic scores a career-high 32 PTS in LA. #NBARooks pic.twitter.com/TK6nvNfzQf
— NBA Draft (@NBADraft) December 21, 2018
Josh Richardson - Miami Heat
The Heat rocked their Miami Vice style jerseys on Thursday and it brought out a top notch performance from Richardson. He went for 22 points along with seven assists and six rebounds in the win over the Rockets.
Josh Richardson did it all for Miami as they snap the Rockets' 5-game win streak! 🔥
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 21, 2018
📊: 22 PTS | 7 AST | 6 REB#HeatCulture pic.twitter.com/rdT5JDbgmt
Lou Williams - Los Angeles Clippers
Another Clippers player who is invaluable is Lou Williams. Many times he comes off the bench to give the team a scoring boost. That was the case in the win over Dallas as Williams recorded 26 points and gave out eight assists in 24 minutes. That's a welcome sign for Clippers fans as Williams was injured for a stretch.
LOU BACK.
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) December 21, 2018
📊 26 points | 9-12 from the floor | 8 assists pic.twitter.com/ugh5UCs02k
