MSU Shooting Survivor John Hao Attended Playoff Game As James Harden's Guest

MSU shooting survivor John Hao had a Sunday he's not soon to forget.

When Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden heard about the shooting earlier this year, he reached out to Hao while he was in the hospital. He sent him his game-worn shoes, new shoes, donated to his GoFundMe, and FaceTimed with him.

During their call, Harden promised to get Hao to a game as his guest as soon as he's feeling better, and this weekend, he made good on that promise.

Harden had an epic game on Sunday with 42 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists, and hit the game-winning shot. Hao, 20, was able to witness it all from courtside as Harden's guest.

Hao, a Michigan State University shooting survivor, who is paralyzed from the chest down, is a big fan of the NBA star. When Harden heard that, he wanted to try to help Hao's recovery in any way he could. He FaceTimed him and shared some motivational words. He also told him he will bring him to a game as his guest when he's feeling better.

When Hao was released from a rehabilitation center last week and was given the okay to travel, he was able to finally take Harden up on his offer to be a guest at a game. Hao got an up-close view courtside to watch Harden's amazing performance during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals series between the 76ers and Celtics in Philadelphia.

According to Forbes, after the game, Harden said, "He's my good luck charm."

"For a tragedy like that to happen, there's a lot of nonsense that's going on in the world. For him to be a victim of that it's heartbreaking," Harden said.

"But he's strong, he's bouncing back, he's recovering very well. I feel like it's my job just to give him that light, that smile that he deserves, that he needs. Hopefully, today was one of those days where he's smiling."

The end of the game was not the end of an amazing evening for Hao. After the game, Harden took off his shoes, signed them, and handed them to Hao. The two also had a chat about the game and how Hao was Harden's "good luck charm."

The Philadelphia 76ers shared some photos from Hao's time at the game and meeting Harden on Instagram. A video in the carousel shows Harden telling Hao he needed him back for Game 6 of the series.

"Game 6, he's gotta come back. I don't know what you got going on with your schedule, but for game 6 you gotta be back here. Cause you the good luck charm, for real," Harden told Hao.

"We talked about last time, every day, right? Every day is an opportunity to get better, mentally, physically, and all that, so just keep the right mindset. You know I'm always praying for you, and I always got you."

Sixers fans dropped into the comment section of the post to share their thoughts.

"Truly sad what happened to that young man. A great act of kindness from Harden," one person wrote. Another added, "Book him a flight to Boston Logan International Airport right now."

The inspiration moment even inspired a Celtics fan to leave a comment, "Even as a Celtics fan, I have to come here paying my respects to this."