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James Harden shared a pregame hug with Michigan State shooting victim John Hao

And after the Sixers' 116-115 Game 4 win, Harden invited Hao on the court, signed his game-worn sneakers and passed them off to his biggest fan.

Sixers guard James Harden tosses the basketball during warm ups before the Sixers play the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinal playoffs on Sunday, May 7, 2023 in Philadelphia.
Sixers guard James Harden tosses the basketball during warm ups before the Sixers play the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinal playoffs on Sunday, May 7, 2023 in Philadelphia.Read moreYong Kim / Staff Photographer
    by DeAntae Prince
    Updated 
    Published 

James Harden went through his pregame routine, standing stoically at the free-throw line as he knocked down step-back jumpers.

Then a smile came over the Sixers star’s face as he spotted John Hao and his parents under the basket. Harden headed straight for the baseline to greet them.

”When he saw me, he came over and gave me a hug,” Hao said. “That was cool.”

» READ MORE: Sixers’ James Harden sends game-worn shoes, video chats with Michigan State shooting survivor

Hao, a victim of the Michigan State mass shooting in February, was at Game 4 of Sixers-Celtics as a personal guest of Harden, who embraced the student after learning he was a fan. Harden sent a jersey and sneakers and told Hao he could attend a game as soon as he was healthy enough.

”When I got injured, my dad said I’m a big James Harden fan,” Hao said. “I’ve followed him for a long time. They might’ve read that and James Harden reached out.”

Three months removed from an event that changed his life, Hao was in good spirits at the Wells Fargo Center and was grateful for Harden’s grand gesture.

”So excited,” Hao said. “I’m surprised he invited me here for this game. I know it’s a crucial game for us so I’m happy with that.”

» READ MORE: If the Sixers are truly NBA title contenders capable of beating the Boston Celtics, it’s time to play like it

After a big bounce-back performance of 42 points in the Sixers’ 116-115 Game 4 win, Harden invited Hao on the court, handing over signed sneakers and conducting his ESPN interview in his socks.

And Harden was happy to provide a nice moment for Hao, who called his “good luck charm.”

“[Hao is] my good luck charm...the tragedy like that that happened,” Harden said. “It’s a lot of nonsense that’s going on in the world... I feel like it’s my job just to give him that light, that smile that he deserves, that he needs.”

If it’s up to Harden, he’ll have Hao back in Philly when the series returns to town. He visited with the family after the game and suggested Hao attend Game 6.

“Game 6, he’s gotta come back,” Harden said on a video posted by the Sixers. “I don’t know what you got going on, what your schedule is. Game 6 you gotta be back here because you’re the good luck charm. For real. I just kept thinking about it.”