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Spoelstra: No need to penalize Ball any further
Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
ESPN News1 min read
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Heat HC Erik Spoelstra blasts LaMelo Ball over dirty play on Bam Adebayo
TL;DR
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra criticized LaMelo Ball for a dangerous play on Bam Adebayo, calling it 'stupid' and deserving of punishment. Adebayo did not return for the second half due to a back injury sustained during the incident.
Heat HC Erik Spoelstra blasts LaMelo Ball over dirty play on Bam Adebayo originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra was not happy with Charlotte Hornets star guard LaMelo Ball postgame after his dirty play on Bam Adebayo in the first half.
Spoelstra spoke to reporters after the loss and didn't mince any words on the play.
"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. He should be penalized for that. I don't think that belongs in the game, tripping guys. Somebody has got to see that. He should have been thrown out of the game for that."
Adebayo did not play in the second half of the contest after he suffered a hard fall in the second quarter of the contest. He was ruled out with a back injury. Here is how he suffered the injury.
Heat Lose Bam Adebayo in Tough Overtime Defeat
Ball missed a fadeaway shot, and as Adebayo went for the rebound while trying to stay inbounds, Ball, who fell to the floor near Adebayo, swiped at one of the Heat center's feet with his left arm.
Adebayo fell to the floor and remained down for the next play before there was a stoppage. The 28-year-old was initially deemed questionable to return after the fall, but he was ultimately ruled out.
The Heat suffered a tough overtime loss to the Hornets, 128-127. Miami is now eliminated from playoff contention. As for Charlotte, they will face the loser of the No. 7 seed Philadelphia 76ers and No. 8 seed Orlando Magic matchup on Friday.
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Q&A
What did Erik Spoelstra say about LaMelo Ball's play on Bam Adebayo?
Erik Spoelstra described LaMelo Ball's play as 'stupid' and 'dangerous,' stating that it should not be part of the game and that Ball should have been penalized.
What injury did Bam Adebayo sustain during the game?
Bam Adebayo suffered a back injury after a hard fall in the second quarter and did not play in the second half.
Was LaMelo Ball penalized for his play on Bam Adebayo?
No, Erik Spoelstra believes LaMelo Ball should have been thrown out of the game for his actions, but it appears he was not penalized during the game.
