Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden recently fulfilled a promise he made to John Hao, a survivor of the Michigan State University shooting that occurred in February (CNN). On Sunday, during the Sixers’ 116-115 Game 4 win against the Celtics, Harden shared a pregame hug with Hao and later invited him on the court, where he signed his game-worn sneakers and gave them to the young man (The Philadelphia Inquirer). Hao, a big fan of Harden and the 76ers, was recently released from the hospital after being paralyzed during the February shooting at Michigan State (Yahoo Sports).
Harden had invited Hao to attend the playoff game after learning he was a Sixers’ fan and contacted him personally (NPR). The star athlete’s connection with Hao gained media attention as he met the young victim before the game and signed his sneakers following the game (AP News). CBS News also reported on this heartwarming story, noting that Harden had made a promise to bring Hao to a Sixers game after the tragic mass shooting at Michigan State University.
During the game, Harden scored an impressive 42 points, leading his team to yet another victory in the series (For The Win). ESPN mentioned Hao’s attendance at the game, explaining how the paralyzed survivor had developed a bond with the 76ers’ star over time. Sports Illustrated reported on the special bond forged between Harden and Hao, highlighting how the player fulfilled his promise to the shooting survivor, who had sustained injuries that paralyzed him from the chest down during the February incident at Michigan State.
