Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic has inspired comparisons to legends such as Larry Bird and Magic Johnson in less than 2½ seasons in his NBA career.
Among the active superstars, Doncic’s game could be the most similar to that of the perennial MVP candidate James Harden, who admitted on Saturday night that he considers these comparisons to be legitimate.
“There are some similarities,” Harden said after the Mavs ‘115-98 victory on the road broke out in the Brooklyn Nets’ eight-game winning streak. “He never lets anyone speed him up and get what he wants. It’s rare for a guy at an early age. I think he’s 21. And to be able to dictate the game and control the game the way he does, we all I know he has a very, very bright future.
“The Mavs received a special one.”
Harden’s comments weren’t necessarily a reaction to Saturday night’s game, in which he was the only All-Star available to the Nets, with Kevin Durant (hamstring) and Kyrie Irving (injury maintenance) out of the game.
“Whoever is in line and fits has to be better, and that starts with me,” said Harden, who had 29 points and six assists, but was kept just four points behind the break.
Doncic scored 27 points in 11-of-21 shooting, six rebounds and seven assists in victory, an impressive but routine performance for a player who averages 28.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 9, 0 assists per game.
However, Doncic was flattered to hear about Harden’s praise.
“It’s something you can’t even describe if someone like that says something about you,” said Doncic, who previously talked about studying Harden, especially his back jumper and his ability to make mistakes. “He’s amazing. I really appreciate him. I follow him. He’s an incredible and even special player.”
It was Dallas’ seventh win in nine games, while the 16-16 Mavs climbed back to .500.
A major factor in the rebirth of Mavs was a few players who recovered from COVID-19 and regained their rhythm. Starters Maxi Kleber, Dorian Finney-Smith and Josh Richardson and backup Dwight Powell missed extended stretches due to the coronavirus, and backup guard Jalen Brunson also missed several games due to health and safety protocols, despite the fact that it has never been positive.
The other big evolution during the change in Dallas was probably the best stretch of Doncic’s spectacular young career in the NBA.
Doncic, who turns 22 on Sunday, has averaged 31.6 points in the last nine games, shooting 51.6% from the floor and 46.1% from the 3-point distance. He had the three best regular season scores of his career – 46, 44 and 42 points – during the period and also averaged 7.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists, carrying Mavs as well. as Harden at the Houston Rockets for eight years before being traded to Brooklyn this season.
“Harden has been in a situation where the offense has really revolved around him,” said Mavs coach Rick Carlisle. “With our team, it’s happening around Luka in a similar way, but our style is a little different from Houston and Brooklyn. Both guys are generational players. There’s no doubt about it.”