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76ers' Harden visits with Michigan State shooting victim
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- James Harden sank the overtime 3-pointer that sent the 76ers to a playoff victory and instantly waved over John Hao, a paralyzed Michigan State shooting survivor who developed a long-distance FaceTime bond with Philadelphia's star guard.
Harden had just scored 42 points, removed his sneakers, signed them and handed them to his new friend.
"He brought me good vibes, good energy," Harden said.
Hao was all smiles as he looked on from the court, a needed respite from looming rehabilitation for the international student from China who attended Game 4 as Harden's guest.
Before the game, Harden leaned into Hao and got small pats on the back before resuming his pregame drills.
"You look good," Harden told Hao.
The 20-year-old Hao and his parents had been invited by Harden to attend a 76ers game once he was available to travel.
Hao recently left a Chicago rehabilitation facility where he'd been since a February shooting on the East Lansing campus that killed three students and injured five others.
Hao wore Harden's No. 1 Sixers jersey and attended the game with his parents. Hao's father also wore a Harden jersey and posed for pictures as the 76ers warmed up behind him.
Harden learned after the shooting that Hao was a fan of his and donated sneakers, money and then called the student to offer encouragement.
"I know it's tough right now, just gotta be mentally strong," Harden said in February in video of the call. "Just think about the positive things and keep pushing. Keep fighting. I got you."
Harden also kept his promise that Hao could attend a game. The family watched the game from a club box at the Wells Fargo Center.