The Charlotte Hornets had eliminated the Miami Heat in a thrilling overtime game with the margin of just one point. It was a huge milestone that was achieved by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2026 Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament. However there was another incident that stole the spotlight in the game, when an injury had occurred to the Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo in the second-quarter.
In the second quarter, the players were scrambling for a loose ball near the sideline and that’s when LaMelo Ball was lying on the ground and then proceeded to grab Adebayo’s left foot. Bam Adebayo proceeded to lose his balance and fall hard on his lower-back and tailbone. Ball apologized for the foul committed and stated that he would check on the player afterwards.
Another angle of Bam Adebayo's hard fall after LaMelo Ball grabbed at the bottom of his leg. Should this have been reviewed for a flagrant on Ball? 🤔pic.twitter.com/nva6Nn68p5 https://t.co/XiQhmcqUI0
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 15, 2026
Spoelstra fumes over “dangerous” play as Ball apologises but delivers clutch performance
Erik Spoelstra on LaMelo Ball tripping Bam Adebayo: “I don't think it's cute, I don't think it's funny, it's a dangerous play ... He should be penalized for that ... Somebody's got to see that. He should've been thrown out of the game for that."pic.twitter.com/EXEOTzG3nG
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) April 15, 2026
“I don't think it's cute, I don't think it's funny, it's a dangerous play ... He should be penalized for that ... Somebody's got to see that. He should've been thrown out of the game for that. The Miami Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra was livid with the foul committed by LaMelo Ball and urged the player to be sent off for the foul. Erik described it as a “stupid and dangerous” play and questioned the decisions of the referee. Bam Adebayo left the game with a lower back injury and he couldn’t return back to the game. Before the injury, Adebayo had recorded 6 points and 3 rebounds in 11 minutes.
"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." —LaMelo Ball on the play that led to Bam Adebayo leaving the game. pic.twitter.com/79VIG5kuMK
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 15, 2026
"I apologize for 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," said LaMelo Ball. In the post-match press conference, Ball stated that he had no real intention of hurting Adebayo. He also added that he was a bit lost after he got hit in the head and that the foul didn’t come off any malicious intent. He expressed his concern for Bam Adebayo and that he would check on him if he’s okay.
Despite LaMelo Ball having a controversial moment on the field, he was by far one of the best players on the court for the Hornets. Ball remained to be the engine of the Hornet’s offense. He had great work-rates as he played well in the physical contest throughout and his stats reflected that. LaMelo Ball scored 30 points, gave 10 assists and got 5 rebounds as well. Ball came in clutch right at the end with the game-winning layup with just 4.7 seconds left in the overtime.
The Charlotte Hornets have moved one step closer to their first playoff berth since 2016 but they still have to win two Play-In games to secure the Final Playoff spot. The “do-or-die” game for the Hornets will be on April 17th and they will be confident that they can get across the line.
