The Story Behind James Harden and John Hao
Here’s how James Harden met John Hao, a victim of a school shooting.
I always thought James Harden was a bad guy because of all of the things that he reportedly did.
Over the past couple of years, the media created this story that painted him as a bad teammate and quitter and frequent stripclub go-er, and I believed all of it.
But after he was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this season, the media’s narrative of him has reversed.
Everyone is propping him up for his basketball heroics and, more importantly, philanthropy off of the court.
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The main story is about how Harden befriended John Hao, a victim of the Michigan State University shooting that occured in February.
After it was revealed that he was Hao’s idol, Harden made it a priority to meet the university student.
He reached out and talked to Hao on a regular basis via FaceTime, where the two chit-chatted and where Harden gave words of encouragement.
Via The Associated Press:
“He taught me to keep strong,” Hao said.
The 10-time All-Star also donated to his GoFundMe to help out with hospital bills and even sent Hao gifts to help keep his spirits up.
And more recently, Harden invited Hao to a playoff game in Philadelphia, where the 76ers played the Boston Celtics.
And Harden did not disappoint in this outing.
He nearly put up a triple-double with 42 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists.
But aside from his fantastic performance, the game was full of suspense and excitement.
The game was close throughout and in the final seconds of the fourth quarter, Harden sank a big floater to tie up the game and send it into overtime.
Then in OT, Harden made a huge 3-pointer with 20 seconds left to put the 76ers up 1, which was enough for the win.
After his heroics on the hardwood, Harden dedicated the game to Hao. He also signed and gave his game sneakers to Hao, who rolled onto the court after the final buzzer.
Via Sporting News:
"I put the work in, so it's all about being aggressive," Harden said. "I had a special guest in the building — Little J.H. — he just gave me good luck, he brought me good vibes and good energy.
"Really, this game was for him," Harden added
The 76ers will be heading back to Philadelphia for Game 6 on Tuesday and Harden invited Hao to that game as well.
If he does make an appearance, hopefully Hao’s attendance will boost Harden’s luck so that he’ll have another phenomenal performance -something that has been inconsistent in this series.
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