76ers’ James Harden invites MSU shooting survivor John Hao to crucial game 3 vs Celtics
When the 76ers take on the Celtics in Game 3 of their series on Friday night, there will be a special guest in the audience courtesy of James Harden.
Though he’s undoubtedly focused on tonight’s crucial game against the Celtics, it’s refreshing to see that the 76ers star could still consider how much an opportunity to see the game, would mean to the unfortunate young man.
MSU shooting survivor John Hao to attend 76ers vs Celtics game 3
As the 76ers prepare to take on the Celtics in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, there is one player in the lineup who is doing something quite special. According to reports, Sixers star James Harden has taken the decision to invite Michigan State University student, John Hao to the game. Hao was of course severely injured, in the tragic shooting that took place on campus back in late February, to the extent that he spent weeks recovering from his wounds in Sparrow Hospital in Lansing.
Incidentally, Harden - Hao’s favorite player - had contact with the brave young student prior to this moment. Indeed, just a few days after the shooting he sent Hao a pair of game-worn shoes along with other memorabilia, before calling him on FaceTime to offer encouragement. “Everything will work itself out, be strong, you’re alright,” Harden told Hao at the time. “I know it’s tough right now, but you have to stay physically strong, you know what I mean? You just gotta just think of the positive things.”
How did James Harden’s invitation come up?
At the time that they spoke, Harden made it clear to Hao that as soon as he was feeling better, he would have him come to a game. Now, almost three months later, Hao’s condition has improved to the point that he can attend, and it appears that Harden is happy to keep his promise. With the series now tied at 1-1 and the Sixers fresh off of a drubbing at the hands of the Celtics, this could well be the perfect time for some extra motivation. Game 3 is set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday night and we get the feeling it’s going to be epic, which is precisely why we’re happy to know that John Hao will be there to watch it.