NBA star James Harden invites Michigan State shooting survivor to playoff game
Luke Gentile
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Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden scored an overtime game-winning 3-point basket Sunday and acknowledged a paralyzed Michigan State shooting survivor he had invited to the game.
Harden had developed a long-distance friendship with 20-year-old John Hao, who was injured in the February shooting, and gave him his signed game-worn shoes after hitting the winning shot, according to a report.
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This comes a few months after the fatal mass shooting on MSU’s campus, during which a shooter opened fire on students, killing three and injuring five others.
“He brought me good vibes, good energy,” Harden said.
Hao, an international student from China, has undergone rehabilitation and recovery in Chicago, and a trip to Game 4 of the 76ers’ playoff matchup with the Boston Celtics was a welcomed reprieve, the report noted.
Harden gave the 20-year-old a pat on the back before the game started.
“You look good,” Harden said to Hao, who was at the game with his parents and wearing Harden’s jersey.
“When I got injured, he read the news about that, he just came to give us all the support we need,” Hao said, speaking on his friendship with the former NBA MVP. “I’m so appreciative of that.”
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“He taught me to keep strong.”
Harden’s visit with Hao comes in the wake of the latest mass shooting on Saturday in Allen, Texas, in which a shooter killed at least nine people before being shot and killed by police.