76ers James Harden Dedicates His Performance To MSU Shooting Survivor John Hao
Harden was a hero in every sense of the word in Sunday’s Game 4. He was also playing for something — and someone — far larger while trying to prolong the series.
Harden honoured John Hao, a survivor of the Michigan State shooting spree in February, with a clutch performance.
76ers James Harden Dedicates His Performance To MSU Survivor John Hao
Harden struggled in games two and three as the Sixers lost after a brilliant effort in game one rescued them. But in Game 4, the former MVP showed he still had some heroics in him.
Harden’s 42 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds are impressive, but it’s even more impressive that he consistently came through when it mattered most, forcing the game into overtime with a floater and sinking the game-winning 3-pointer to tie the series at two games apiece.
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
After scoring 42 points, He took off his shoes, autographed them, and gave them to his new buddy.
Harden stated, “He brought me good vibes, good energy.”
A needed break from impending rehabilitation for the Chinese foreign student who attended Game 4 as Harden’s guest, Hao was all smiles as he watched from the floor.
Before the game, Harden approached Hao and received a few pats on the back before continuing his warm-up exercises.
John Hao… 6th Man! #Uno pic.twitter.com/dKqLjq7PSF
— James Harden (@JHarden13) May 7, 2023
“You look good,” Harden said to Hao.
When Harden was free to travel, he had invited the 20-year-old Hao and his parents to a 76ers game.
Hao just departed a Chicago recovery center where he had resided following a shooting on the East Lansing campus in February that left one person dead.
"I don't know what you got going on or what your schedule is, but Game 6 you gotta be back here… Like we talked about last time. Every day is an opportunity to get better mentally, physically."
James Harden and John Hao 🙏🏽❤️
(via @sixers)pic.twitter.com/RDzRiucfQS
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 8, 2023
After the incident, Harden found that Hao was a fan of his and phoned the youngster to encourage him before donating sneakers and money.
In a video recording of the call from February, Harden added, “I know it’s tough right now, just gotta be mentally strong.” Just keep striving and consider the good aspects. Never give up. I have you.
James Harden’s actions after dropping 42 and a game winner show why it’s BIGGER THAN BASKETBALL. Harden signed his shoes for John Hao, the student who was paralyzed after a shooting at MSU. Harden fulfilled his promise to bring Hao to a game and gave him LIFE LONG MEMORIES. pic.twitter.com/V05LqeGaCJ
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) May 8, 2023
Harden also honored his commitment to provide Hao access to a game. The family sat in a club box at the Wells Fargo Center to watch the game.
Hao told The Associated Press, “When I got hurt, he read the news about that and just came to give us all the support we need.” “I really appreciate that,” you said.
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