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The Internet Can't Decide If This Was A SUPER Dirty Play Or Not, So I Need Your Thoughts
TL;DR
The NBA Play-In Tournament has started, marking the off-season's beginning. This tournament allows the seventh to tenth seeded teams to compete for the final two playoff spots.
The NBA Play-In Tournament officially kicked off yesterday, marking the beginning of the off-season.
Kent Smith / NBAE via Getty Images
For those who may not know, the Play-In Tournament is relatively new. It began in the 2020–21 season and is a precursor to the playoffs. The seventh through tenth seeded teams in each division play for a chance to lock in the last two playoff positions.
Wikipedia / Via en.wikipedia.org
Yesterday, April 14, the Miami Heat (the tenth seed) played the Charlotte Hornets (the ninth seed) in a "win or go home" Play-In game. Emotions were high, and Bam Adebayo, arguably the Heat's best player, went down with an injury in the second quarter. The Heat ended up losing the game.
Joe Murphy / NBAE via Getty Images
It all began when the Hornets' LaMelo Ball had an inside fadeaway blocked with around 11 minutes left in the second quarter.
Fall Court Pass / NBA / Via x.com
LaMelo fell to the ground after his shot was blocked, while Bam caught the rebound and tried to stay in-bounds.
Full Court Pass/NBA / Via x.com
As LaMelo hits the floor, he appears to wildly grab for Bam's lower leg.
Full Court Pass/NBA / Via x.com
Then, LaMelo seemingly swats Bam's leg, causing the big man to fall backward to the ground.
Full Court Pass/NBA / Via x.com
Bam apparently injured his back on the play.
Full Court Pass/NBA / Via x.com
After this, the game continued with Bam on the floor in pain, and LaMelo scoring on a dunk before there was a stoppage with 10:58 remaining in the half. Bam eventually got up and limped to the locker room. There was no foul assessed on the play, and Bam never returned to the game.
Jacob Kupferman / Getty Images
After the game, Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said LaMelo should have been ejected for the play. "I don't think it's funny," he stated. "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 and they made those plays down the stretch. We had our opportunities to win. That's a shame. You should be penalized for that. I don't think that belongs in the game — tripping guys, shenanigans."
Kent Smith / Getty Images
In the post-game conference, LaMelo apologized for the play, stating, "I apologize on that one. I got hit in the head [on the play] and didn't really know where I was. But I'm going to check on him, see if he's OK and everything."
Jordan Bank / Getty Images
However, attentive fans noticed that this isn't the first time LaMelo has tried to trip Bam.
Hater Report / NBA / Via x.com
Now, the incident has left NBA fans divided. Many believe it was one of the dirtiest plays they've seen in recent memory.
Raise The Flagg / Via x.com
BiggLynch/NBA / Via x.com
With some hoping he gets suspended:
Alvaro Martin / Via x.com
However, others are on LaMelo's side:
Rocco / Via x.com
And some fans think the inconsistencies in foul calling is hurting the sport.
KnicksCentral / Via x.com
What do you think? Should LaMelo be suspended, or was it really just bad timing?
Q&A
What is the NBA Play-In Tournament format?
The NBA Play-In Tournament involves the seventh through tenth seeded teams competing for the last two playoff positions.
When did the NBA Play-In Tournament start?
The NBA Play-In Tournament began in the 2020–21 season.
How do teams qualify for the NBA Play-In Tournament?
Teams ranked seventh to tenth in each conference qualify for the NBA Play-In Tournament.
What happens to the winners of the NBA Play-In Tournament?
The winners of the Play-In Tournament secure the final two playoff spots in the NBA playoffs.