After being a victim of the tragic school shooting at Michigan State in February, student John Hao was left paralyzed from the neck down. Former Arizona State and current Philadelphia 76ers star, James Harden, learned about Hao’s story shortly after and found out that he was his favorite player. Harden FaceTimed him, sent him shoes and promised he would bring Hao to a game when he was better. Today, that day arrived and Harden came through for his special guest.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!James Harden is COOKIN' and his guest John Hao is loving it 🙌 pic.twitter.com/u8Vr1h6B4b
— ESPN (@espn) May 7, 2023
After struggling in Games 2 and 3, Harden put together a dazzling performance in Game 4 that was capped off by a game-winning three in overtime. Hao came to the court after the game, and Harden gave him his game-worn shoes. Harden said in his postgame interview that he wants Hao to come to every game from here on out after how well he performed tonight.
JAMES HARDEN GAME-WINNER.
42 POINTS IN THE GAME 4 WIN.
SERIES TIED AT 2-2.#PLAYOFFMODE pic.twitter.com/FVG2pYJ9CC— NBA (@NBA) May 7, 2023
Bigger than basketball 🙏
James Harden gives John Hao his shoes after hitting the game-winner in Game 4 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/LODiFtII11
— ESPN (@espn) May 7, 2023
Harden finished with 42 points, nine assists, eight rebounds and four steals, as the 76ers tied up the series with the 116-115 victory. He shot 6-of-9 from three and 16-of-23 overall.
good luck charm. ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/0yL4apOYvR
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) May 7, 2023
Harden met with Hao before the game and started off shooting 7-of-8 from the floor despite only making a combined five field goals in the two prior games. He ended the first half with 21 points, five rebounds, three assists and one impressive block.
This is awesome 💙
Harden kept his promise and paid for Michigan State shooting survivor John Hao to attend Game 4 👏 pic.twitter.com/rSvSrLRiZs
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 7, 2023
Halftime on ESPN
PHI: 59
BOS: 5021 PTS for James Harden 🔥 pic.twitter.com/TBIEqfjXnm
— NBA (@NBA) May 7, 2023
Harden continued to carry the 76ers down the stretch, scoring eight of their last 11 points in regulation, including the game-tying basket with 15 seconds left. He topped it all off by putting the game away in overtime.
.@JHarden13 sends us to OT. pic.twitter.com/mBNWQhfvpr
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) May 7, 2023
ESPN reported earlier this week that Hao would be at the game.
Two months ago, we shared the story of John Hao — a student who was shot at MSU and became close with Sixers star James Harden. Harden promised Hao that when he was well enough, he could attend a game as his guest.
We have a wonderful update: https://t.co/SZcaJESflS pic.twitter.com/yEQbAt0jlq
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) May 5, 2023
Harden has now had two vintage playoff performances this series after he had 45 points in Game 1. The 76ers will travel to Boston to try to gain a lead in the series.
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Brendan Mau is a college sports insider and general assignment reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on twitter via @Brendan_Mau
