The Milwaukee Bucks and Dallas Mavericks engaged in an epic match-up on Sunday, and it had two of the league’s biggest stars – Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic – taking center stage.

The Mavs won the entertaining back-and-forth in overtime, 136-132, after coming back from seven down with under two minutes remaining in regulation. Doncic stuffed the stat sheet yet again, posting 36 points, 14 rebounds, and a career-high 19 assists – it’s his third triple-double in the bubble and league-high 17th of the season.

He’s now averaging 33.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 11.6 assists per game since the restart (five games).

Doncic has powered Dallas to back-to-back victories after they suffered a string of tough losses – a good momentum-builder as the team gears up for the playoffs.

Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle appears to be quite pleased with his men’s improvement, especially with how it has been stirred by their Slovenian star, so much so that he threw praise like never before.

Rick Carlisle on Luka: "He knows where everybody is not only on offense, but defense. That's the sign of a savant-type guy. I've played with Larry Bird, he could see everything like that. I had the privilege of coaching Jason Kidd … Luka is in that same mold."

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) August 9, 2020

Such statements are always eyebrow-raising, but with the shooting prowess, offensive instincts, and all-around production, maybe Larry Bird and Jason Kidd aren’t that far off.

Also, get this: Doncic, at a tender age of 21 years old, is already ninth all-time in triple-doubles. It’s an impressive feat regardless of age, so it’s simply insane that he’s reached it this early. The kid is still 6-8 years away from hitting his ultimate peak.

Check out how chill Luka is in crunch time too, which is very Bird and Kidd-like:

This pass by Luka 🤯 pic.twitter.com/B24eQya14S

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 9, 2020

With that type of production and play, he’s also earning the respect of his closest foes – that’s how you know you’re really good. Here’s what Giannis told the press following the game:

Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo on Mavericks’ Luka Doncic (36 points, 14 rebounds, 19 assists): “Makes his teammates better. Talented. Really talented. One of the most talented players I’ve ever played against.” pic.twitter.com/AC6nKc42rz

— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) August 9, 2020

What can Giannis say, right? Luka outproduced him and the Mavs beat them good with a late-game rally.

The two superstars are friendly and complimentary for now, but a Giannis-Luka rivalry is looking be a key storyline in the NBA a few years down the line. It will be interesting to see how it’ll shape up… and heat up.

The Mavs (42-30) will return to the court tomorrow against the Utah Jazz at 3:00 AM (Manila time). They’re avoiding a season series sweep, so it’s another chance for Luka to show off how much he has truly improved as a leader.