Sports
Spoelstra: No need to penalize Ball any further
Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
ESPN News1 min read
Sports
Heat's Bam Adebayo injured during game against Hornets. What we know.
TL;DR
Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat suffered a lower back injury during a game against the Charlotte Hornets after a fall caused by LaMelo Ball. Adebayo did not return to the game after being ruled out before the third quarter.
LaMelo Ball, guard for the Charlotte Hornets, apologized after a play that caused Miami Heat captain Bam Adebayo to lose his balance and fall during the second quarter.
"I apologize on that one," Ball told reporters after the game. "I got hit in the head and didnât really know where I was, but Iâm going to check in on him to see if heâs OK and everything."
Adebayo was attempting to save a ball from going out of bounds when Ball took his foot out from underneath him. Adebayo fell, landed on his tailbone and remained down for about a minute before walking to the locker room under his own power, albeit carefully.
Adebayo was initially deemed questionable to return with a lower back injury, according to the Heat, but did not return to the court when the second half started. He was eventually officially ruled out before the third quarter was complete.
Who won the Charlotte Hornets-Miami Heat game last night?
The Miami Heat lost in overtime, 127-126, to the Charlotte Hornets. Their season is over.
Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra spoke to reporters about Adebayoâs injury
âI didnât see it, but I donât think itâs cute â I donât think itâs funny â I think itâs a stupid play,â Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters after the game. âItâs a dangerous play, obviously, our best player was out.
"Iâm not making any excuse: the Hornets played great. They made those plays down the stretch. We had our opportunities to win. Thatâs a shame, to be penalized for that. I donât think that belongs in the game, tripping guys and shenanigans.â
Spoelstra added that he felt an official shouldâve made a call to eject LaMelo Ball.
âSomebody has got to see that, and he shouldâve been thrown out of the game for that,â Spoelstra said.
Sarah Perkel is a South Florida Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network's Florida Connect team. You can get all of Floridaâs best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LaMelo Ball apologized after play that injured Bam Adebayo in Heat game
Q&A
What caused Bam Adebayo's injury during the game against the Hornets?
Bam Adebayo's injury was caused by LaMelo Ball, who inadvertently took Adebayo's foot out from underneath him, leading to a fall.
What is the nature of Bam Adebayo's injury?
Bam Adebayo sustained a lower back injury after landing on his tailbone during the fall.
Did Bam Adebayo return to the game after his injury?
No, Bam Adebayo was ruled out for the remainder of the game and did not return after halftime.
