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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
Sports
LaMelo Ball apologizes for Bam Adebayo trip that led to injury
TL;DR
LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets won a crucial game against the Miami Heat but faced controversy for tripping Bam Adebayo, who suffered a lower-back injury. Ball apologized post-game, stating the trip was unintentional.
Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball came through in the clutch during overtime to extend his teamâs season with a win over the Miami Heat, 127-126, in the NBA Play-In Tournament with a game-winning shot.
Unfortunately, that wasnât the only noteworthy moment of the game for Ball.
In the first half, Ball and Heat star Bam Adebayo were tangled up, with video replay showing Ball reached out and tripped Adebayo by grabbing his foot.
WATCH: Erik Spoelstra rips LaMelo Ball for tripping Heat star Bam Adebayo
Adebayo suffered a lower-back injury on the play and was unable to return to the game. After the game, Ball spoke to the media and apologized for the play, saying the trip was unintentional.
"I apologize on that one. I got hit in the head, didn't really know where I was, but I'mma check on him and see if he's okay and everything."
âLaMelo Ball on the play that led to Bam Adebayo leaving the game. pic.twitter.com/79VIG5kuMK
â SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 15, 2026
âI apologize on that one,â Ball told reporters. âI got hit in the head, didnât really know where I was, but Iâmma check on him and see if heâs okay and everything.â
After the play, Ball was widely criticized on social media for the âdirty play.â Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra also sounded off on the incident, saying, âI donât think itâs cute. I donât think itâs funny. I think itâs a stupid play. Itâs a dangerous play. He should be penalized for that. I donât think that belongs in the game, tripping guys.â
â Watch NBA Play-In Tournament on Prime Video â
Ball was not penalized for the play, but it will be interesting to see whether the NBA will hand down punishment amid the fallout.
Adebayo finished the game with 6 points while recording three rebounds, one assist, and one steal. He played just 11 minutes in the first half.
Charlotte, meanwhile, keeps its season alive thanks to Ballâs heroics and will play in another do-or-die game on Friday, April 17, against the loser of Wednesday nightâs game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic.
The winner will earn the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference.
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Q&A
What happened between LaMelo Ball and Bam Adebayo during the game?
LaMelo Ball tripped Bam Adebayo by grabbing his foot, leading to Adebayo suffering a lower-back injury.
How did LaMelo Ball perform in the game against the Miami Heat?
LaMelo Ball scored the game-winning shot in overtime, helping the Charlotte Hornets win 127-126.
What was LaMelo Ball's reaction to the incident with Bam Adebayo?
LaMelo Ball apologized for the trip, stating it was unintentional during his post-game media comments.
