76ers star James Harden made a promise to Michigan State student and fan John Hao during an emotional conversation three months ago. Hao sustained severe injuries that paralyzed him from the chest down after an on-campus mass shooting on Feb. 13 that killed three people and left four others wounded.
After sending the 20-year-old a gift package, Harden told Hao on a FaceTime call that he wanted to bring him to a game once he was able to attend. On Sunday, Harden had the opportunity to make good on his word by welcoming the 20-year-old survivor as a guest for Game 4 of the Sixers’ second-round series against the Celtics in Philadelphia.
As Harden went through warm-ups, the 10-time All-Star took a moment to walk over to Hao and embrace him in a heartwarming scene. The pair have reportedly kept in touch since February after the veteran guard gave the young man his number following their video call.
