• James Harden praised John Hao, a Michigan State shooting survivor who Harden calls his “lucky charm.”
  • Hao attended the Clippers’ 128-108 win over the Rockets as Harden scored 29 points.
  • Harden says Hao’s resilience and pursuit of a master’s degree motivate him beyond basketball.

Harden celebrates a bond that goes beyond basketball

Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden publicly praised fan John Hao after Tuesday night’s 128-108 home win over the Houston Rockets. Harden described Hao — a survivor of the 2023 Michigan State University shooting who now uses a wheelchair — as a “lucky charm” and a source of personal motivation.

‘Strong human being’ — what Harden said

After the game Harden, who finished with 29 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals, reflected on his relationship with Hao. “He had something that was literally life-changing happen to him, and for him to still be strong enough … he’s about to get his Masters, he’s working towards it,” Harden said. “For someone to have something that’s life-changing and still has the motivation to keep pushing and keep going, that motivates me to just keep pushing in whatever obstacles I feel like I’m going through in life. I’m just proud of him.”

How Harden and Hao connected

The two first connected in 2023 after the Michigan State shooting left Hao paralyzed from the chest down. Harden reached out when he learned Hao was a fan, inviting him to games, sending gear, and helping a GoFundMe effort. Hao was in Harden’s guest section for several memorable moments, including Harden’s 42-point outing and game-winner in the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals while Harden was with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Why this matters

Harden’s relationship with Hao highlights a side of pro athletes that often gets less attention: consistent engagement with fans and community. Harden has used his platform to support Hao’s recovery and education, while Hao’s resilience has become a motivational mirror for Harden during a difficult season for the Clippers.

Watch Harden’s remark

Harden’s postgame comments were shared on social media. View the clip on X: https://x.com/farbod_e/status/2003719542724526544

For context on Hao’s recovery and Harden’s outreach after the shooting, see the ESPN feature: ESPN — How James Harden is helping Michigan State shooting survivor heal.

Big-picture

On a night when the Clippers pulled off a surprising win against Harden’s former team, the story that resonated beyond the scoreboard was the bond between player and fan. Harden credits Hao’s determination as a reminder that challenges off the court can reshape a player’s perspective — and that small acts of support can mean a lot to both sides.

Harden and Hao’s connection continues to be a human story amid the NBA season: one of resilience, friendship, and the unexpected ways athletes and fans lift each other up.

Image Referance: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/im-just-proud-him-harden-143100442.html