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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 does not deserve a suspension for 'dirty' Bam Adebayo play
TL;DR
LaMelo Ball led the Charlotte Hornets to an overtime victory against the Miami Heat but faced criticism for a play involving Bam Adebayo, who left the game injured. Despite calls for a suspension, many believe Ball should not be penalized for the incident.
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball hit a go-ahead basket to lead his team to an overtime victory over the Miami Heat during the play-in tournament.
Earlier in the game, during the second quarter, Ball hit the hardwood after driving to the basket. While he was on the floor, it appeared Ball may have pulled down Bam Adebayo in the process. The big man, who scored 83 points in a single game earlier this season, left the game with injury and was not able to return.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said it was a "stupid play" during a rant after the loss. Ball had a slightly unconvincing excuse for what happened.
Many have argued that Ball should have been ejected for what happened during this unfortunate moment.
While that is possibly true (even if it would have robbed fans of an exciting go-ahead shot in extra rime) about Ball, that does not mean he deserves a suspension.
The league will investigate the incident and a ruling is expected before Friday when the Hornets play the loser of the play-in game between the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers.
Some have argued that Ball was simply avoiding getting stepped on and it would have been difficult for him to actually take the 255-pound Adebayo down from the floor using just his left hand.
As noted by ESPN's Iman Shumpert, who played 10 seasons in the NBA, moments like these are unfortunate but do happen.
NBA on Prime's Dirk Nowitzki said it was a "tough coincidence" but did not deserve an ejection or suspension. Longtime Miami Heat big man Udonis Haslem agreed, stating he did not think Ball is a dirty basketball player.
Basketball fans want to see Ball play in the next game of the play-in tournament and he deserves a shot on the court.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: LaMelo Ball does not deserve a suspension for 'dirty' Bam Adebayo play
Q&A
What happened between LaMelo Ball and Bam Adebayo during the game?
LaMelo Ball appeared to pull down Bam Adebayo while on the floor after driving to the basket, leading to Adebayo leaving the game with an injury.
What did Heat coach Erik Spoelstra say about LaMelo Ball's play?
Erik Spoelstra described Ball's play as a 'stupid play' during his post-game comments after the loss to the Hornets.
Should LaMelo Ball be suspended for the incident with Bam Adebayo?
There have been arguments for Ball's ejection, but many believe he does not deserve a suspension for the play.