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Harden praises Doncic as Luka turns 22: 'Mavs got a special one'

Sarah Stier / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Like the rest of the basketball world, James Harden can't help but admire Luka Doncic's superb skills at such a young age.

Harden praised the Slovenian superstar's game Saturday on the eve of Doncic's 22nd birthday, going so far as to liken it to his own style of play.

"There are some similarities. He never lets anyone speed him up, and he gets what he wants," Harden said of Doncic following the Brooklyn Nets' 115-98 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon.

"That's rare for a guy at a young age. ... To be able to dictate the game and control the game like he does, we all know he has a very, very bright future. The Mavs got a special one."

Doncic continues to cement himself as arguably the game's brightest young star, with averages of 28.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and nine assists through 31 contests this season.

The third overall pick of the 2018 draft recently became the ninth-youngest player in league history to reach 4,000 career points and the 10th-youngest to register 1,000 career assists. He and LeBron James are the only NBA players ever to reach both totals before the age of 22, according to ESPN Stats and Info.

Doncic's 32 career regular-season triple-doubles are also the most by a player aged 22 or younger since he entered the league in 2018. He ranks third overall in triple-doubles over the span, trailing only Russell Westbrook (52) and Nikola Jokic (33).

Doncic - who's openly acknowledged his admiration of Harden's playing style in the past - was highly appreciative of the former MVP's words.

"It's something you can't even describe if somebody like that says something about you," Doncic said. "It's just amazing. I really appreciate it. I watch him. He's an unbelievable player and just really special."

Dallas' win snapped Brooklyn's eight-game win streak and gave the Mavericks seven victories in their past nine contests.

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