Rockets’ Harden apologizes to China over GM’s Hong Kong tweet

Houston Rockets guard James Harden (R) shoots the ball during a training session by the NBA basketball team in Tokyo on October 7, 2019. – The Rockets are in Tokyo to play two exhibition matches this week. (Photo by Toshifumi KITAMURA / AFP)

Houston Rockets star James Harden on Monday apologized to China over a controversial tweet by the team’s general manager backing Hong Kong protests that has caused a massive backlash.

READ: Rockets GM says Hong Kong tweet not meant to offend

“We apologize. We love China,” Harden said, standing alongside fellow Rockets guard Russell Westbrook at a press event in Tokyo.

“We love playing there. Both of us, we go there once or twice a year. They show us most support so we appreciate them… We appreciate the support they give us.”

The Rockets have been fiercely criticiezd in China after general manager Daryl Morey on Friday posted a tweet featuring the message “Fight for Freedom. Stand with Hong Kong.” The tweet was later deleted.

READ: China’s CCTV suspends Houston Rockets broadcasts