Nets' James Harden praises Luka Doncic after loss to Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic has drawn comparisons to some of the NBA's legends in just his third season in the league. More recently, he drew a comparison to Brooklyn Nets star James Harden. 

After a 115-98 loss to the Mavericks on Saturday, Harden praised Doncic while also saying he considers those comparisons legitimate. 

"There are some similarities," Harden said, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. "He never lets anyone speed him up, and he gets what he wants. That's rare for a guy at a young age. I think he's 21 years old. And 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 finished the game with 27 points on 11-of-21 shooting, six rebounds and seven assists in the win. He was the game's second-highest scorer behind Harden, who notched 29 points. 

The 22-year-old is averaging 28.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 9.0 assists per game while shooting 47.5% from the field and 35.1% from deep. Those numbers propelled him to his second All-Star selection in three seasons.