LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets apologized after a second-quarter play that injured Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo, while Heat coach Erik Spoelstra called the move 'stupid' and 'dangerous.' The incident occurred during the NBA play-in tournament, where Charlotte won 127-126 in overtime. Adebayo left the game with a lower-back injury and did not return.
Ball, who finished with 30 points and 10 assists, explained that he was disoriented after being hit in the head and did not intentionally target Adebayo. Spoelstra, however, argued that Ball should have been ejected for the play, which he described as 'tripping guys' and 'shenanigans.' The Heat missed the playoffs for the first time since 2019.
In a separate postgame moment, Ball was seen playfully punching the Hornets' mascot, Hugo, during celebrations. The Hornets will next face the loser of the Orlando Magic-Philadelphia 76ers play-in game.