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After 3 double-doubles, Harden not taking preseason lightly

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

SHANGHAI - Preseason statistics often can be misleading.

That might not be the case with James Harden right now.

After three games of the preseason, Harden has three points-assists double-doubles - the most recent one coming Sunday in Shanghai, when his game-highs of 26 points and 15 assists lifted the Houston Rockets past the New Orleans Pelicans 123-117 in an NBA Global Games matchup.

''We're treating every game of preseason like the regular season in order to build good habits,'' Harden said. ''We don't take the preseason lightly''

Clearly not.

The Rockets are 3-0 in exhibitions so far this fall, scoring 131, 130 and now 123 points in those games. Harden is averaging 23.3 points and 12 assists in those three games.

Related: Watch as Harden head fakes Davis

And fans in China, where the Rockets are enormously popular anyway - thanks in large part to Yao Ming - have taken to Harden as well, with many sporting fake beards on Sunday to mimic his look.

''Great atmosphere,'' Harden said.

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