Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra has called for LaMelo Ball to face consequences after the Charlotte Hornets guard appeared to trip Bam Adebayo, causing an injury that sidelined the centre for the remainder of Tuesday night's play-in tournament decider. The Hornets won 127-126 in overtime at the Spectrum Center.
The incident occurred early in the second quarter when Ball, after missing a shot on a drive, fell to the floor and appeared to grab Adebayo's left leg, bringing the Heat star down on his back. No foul was called, and as play continued, Adebayo eventually left the court and did not return. Spoelstra was adamant that the play warranted a far stricter punishment. “He should have been thrown out of the game for that,” Spoelstra said. “There is no place in the game for that.”
Ball, who finished with 30 points and hit the go-ahead lay-up with 4.7 seconds left in overtime, apologised for his role in the injury but claimed he was disoriented after being struck in the head on the drive. “I apologise on that one,” Ball said. “I got hit in the head and didn’t really know where I was. But I’m going to check on him and see if he is OK.” When asked if he intentionally grabbed Adebayo's leg, Ball said he had not seen a replay and reiterated that he was disoriented.
Spoelstra did not mince words about the nature of the play. “I don’t think it’s cute, and I don’t think it’s funny. I think it’s a stupid play. It’s a dangerous play and obviously our best player was out,” he said. “That’s a shame. He should be penalised for that. I don’t think that belongs in the game, you know, tripping guys, shenanigans.”
Official Zach Zarba explained why the play was not reviewed, citing the NBA rule that a review window closes if play continues without a whistle. The league's operations department will determine if Ball should face a flagrant foul. Heat forward Andrew Wiggins called the loss of Adebayo a “gut punch,” while guard Davion Mitchell labelled the game “physical” but said he did not see the controversial play.
