James Harden of the 76ers gifted signed sneakers to John Hao, a victim of the Michigan State shooting, after inviting him to Game 4.

James Harden’s Heartwarming Gesture to Michigan State Shooting Survivor

James Harden does it all for 76ers in thrilling OT win to even series

In a thrilling overtime win against the 76ers, James Harden scored 42 points and made a game-winning 3-pointer. But it was his heartwarming gesture towards John Hao, a paralyzed Michigan State shooting survivor, that truly stole the show.

Harden had developed a long-distance FaceTime bond with Hao and invited him to attend Game 4 as his guest. Before the game, Harden leaned into Hao and got small pats on the back before resuming his pregame drills. Hao was all smiles as he looked on from the court, a needed respite from looming rehabilitation for the international student from China.

Harden removed his sneakers, signed them, and handed them to Hao after the game. “He brought me good vibes, good energy,” Harden said. Hao wore Harden’s No. 1 Sixers jersey and attended the game with his parents. 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.

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. 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.”

Hao said his spirits were strong and he was now a 76ers fan because of Harden. “He taught me to keep strong,” Hao said. The shootings at Michigan State happened in February during evening classes at Berkey Hall and nearby at the MSU Union. Students across the vast campus were ordered to shelter in place for four hours while police hunted for Anthony McRae, 43, who eventually killed himself when confronted by police not far from his home in Lansing.

Hao said he doesn’t know what’s next for him and still needs additional treatment. Hao said he was committed to graduating from Michigan State, though he may move back with his parents to China.