Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo was injured early in Tuesday’s play-in game against the Charlotte Hornets.
Adebayo fell hard to the court after LaMelo Ball grabbed his ankle. Adebayo grabbed a rebound after a LaMelo Ball layup was blocked. As Adebayo landed near the baseline, Ball, on the ground, grabbed the back of Adebayo’s left ankle while Adebayo’s right leg was in the air.
Adebayo’s Exit and Initial Impact
Adebayo was in immediate pain after the incident. He needed help up from the court and eventually walked to the locker room. The Heat listed him as questionable to return with a lower back injury.
At the time of the injury early in the second quarter, the Hornets led, 30-26. Adebayo had 6 points and 3 rebounds in 11 minutes before his exit.
Coaching Reaction and Review Controversy
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was visibly frustrated on the Miami bench. Spoelstra’s pleas to review the play for a potential flagrant foul went unheeded after officials didn’t call a foul on Ball.
Referee Zach Zarba told the Amazon Prime broadcast that the play wasn’t eligible to be reviewed because it wasn’t immediately stopped, and there was a change of possession.
Game Progression and Adebayo’s Status
Adebayo did not return in the first half. The Heat went into halftime with a 54-52 lead.
He remained out of the game for the start of the third quarter, but the Heat had not ruled him out. Jaime Jaquez Jr. got the second-half start in his place.
A three-time All-Star and a force on both sides of the court, Adebayo is the best big in the game and gives Miami an edge inside when he’s on the court.