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Erik Spoelstra says Hornets' LaMelo Ball should've been ejected for 'stupid play' that injured Bam Adebayo
TL;DR
Erik Spoelstra criticized LaMelo Ball for a play that injured Bam Adebayo during the Eastern Conference Play-In game. Adebayo left the game early due to a lower back injury, and the Hornets won in overtime, eliminating the Heat from the playoffs.
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The Miami Heat pushed the Charlotte Hornets to the brink in Tuesday's No. 9 vs. No. 10 Eastern Conference Play-In game, and they did it largely without the services of their best player. Bam Adebayo left the game early in the second quarter after only 11 minutes of playing time and did not return thanks to a lower back injury. The Hornets eventually prevailed in overtime with a one-point win that ended Miami's season.
Injuries are typically a random occurrence, but the Heat aren't happy about the way this one came about. Hornets star LaMelo Ball went up for a shot in the paint that was blocked by Simone Fontecchio, and Ball fell to the ground. While there, he seemingly pulled Adebayo to the ground with him, and Adebayo fell on his tailbone.
The play where Bam Adebayo got taken out. LaMelo Ball was complaining to the referees afterward. pic.twitter.com/xbKAhslFHB
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) April 15, 2026
After the game, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra expressed frustration with the lack of consequences for Ball's takedown.
"I don't think it's cute. I don't think it's funny," Spoelstra said. "I think it's a stupid play. It's a dangerous play. Obviously our best player was out. I'm not making an excuse. The Hornets played great. They made those plays down the stretch. We had our opportunities down the stretch. That's a shame. He should've been penalized for that. Tripping guys, shenanigans. [Referre] Curtis [Blair] was there, it was his responsibility to see that, and if it's not his responsibility, [crew chief] Zach [Zarba]'s got to see that. Somebody has got to see that. He should've been thrown out of the game for that."
The Spo answer on the play where Bam got hurt: pic.twitter.com/SDtvWf13An
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) April 15, 2026
Ball blamed his fall for the incident and vowed to apologize to Adebayo. "I apologize on that one. I got hit on the head and didn't really know where I was. But I'm gonna check on him and see if he's OK and everything," Ball said.
The Hornets ended up winning 127-126 and Ball hit the game-winning lay-up with five seconds left.
Ball could still be disciplined for the play after the fact. The Hornets play again on Friday, when they'll face the loser of Wednesday's Philadelphia 76ers vs. Orlando Magic game for the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. While a suspension for a marquee game like that would certainly seem to be unlikely, a fine seems plausible given the seemingly unnecessary nature of the foul.
Either way, Adebayo's absence contributed to Miami's eventual elimination from the postseason, and in such a close game, his presence easily could have swung the outcome. Intentional or not, Ball's foul may have swung the game and ultimately the season for the Heat.
Q&A
What injury did Bam Adebayo sustain during the game against the Hornets?
Bam Adebayo sustained a lower back injury that caused him to leave the game early and not return.
Why did Erik Spoelstra say LaMelo Ball should have been ejected?
Erik Spoelstra claimed LaMelo Ball's actions during a play that injured Adebayo were reckless and warranted ejection.
What was the outcome of the Eastern Conference Play-In game between the Heat and Hornets?
The Charlotte Hornets won the game in overtime by one point, eliminating the Miami Heat from the playoffs.