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Did LaMelo Ball trip Bam Adebayo? Hornets star not called for foul after controversial play
TL;DR
LaMelo Ball was involved in a controversial play where he appeared to trip Bam Adebayo, who later left the game with a back injury. Despite the incident, no foul was called on Ball, raising questions among fans about the lack of review.
Did LaMelo Ball trip Bam Adebayo? Hornets star not called for foul after controversial play originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
LaMelo Ball came out aggressively with a chance to win two games and reach the playoffs for the first time in his career, but his aggressiveness nearly got him in trouble on Tuesday night.
After a shot attempt near the rim was blocked early in the second quarter, Ball appeared to get tangled up under the basket with Heat star Bam Adebayo. Adebayo got up gingerly after a hard landing and had to go back to the locker room with what Miami described as a back injury.
Ball wasn't called for a foul, but some fans were quick to ask why the play wasn't at least reviewed.
Here's a closer look at the collision between Ball and Adebayo.
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Did LaMelo Ball trip Bam Adebayo?
Ball hit the floor and appeared to take a clear swipe at Adebayo's ankle, knocking the Heat star to the floor with a hard landing. Adebayo was frustrated and had to go back to the locker room, but Ball wasn't called for a foul on the play.
Adebayo complained to the officials after the play, and Ball appeared to have a gripe as well despite not being called for a foul. Whether or not the Hornets advance, a fine could be in play if the NBA deems Ball's actions serious enough for punishment.
Is Bam Adebayo injured?
Adebayo left the game with a back injury and was labeled as questionable to return. He did not return for the remainder of the first half.
The Heat have found success in the Play-In Tournament and the playoffs as a low seed before, but they likely need a healthy Adebayo to have the offensive firepower to make this an extended run as they face elimination.
Q&A
What happened between LaMelo Ball and Bam Adebayo during the game?
LaMelo Ball and Bam Adebayo got tangled up under the basket, resulting in Adebayo landing hard and later leaving the game with a back injury.
Why wasn't LaMelo Ball called for a foul after the incident with Bam Adebayo?
No foul was called on LaMelo Ball during the play, which has led to discussions among fans about the officiating and whether the play should have been reviewed.
What injury did Bam Adebayo sustain after the collision with LaMelo Ball?
Bam Adebayo sustained a back injury after the collision and had to return to the locker room for evaluation.
