The NBA is investigating LaMelo Ball’s trip on Bam Adebayo during the play-in game between the Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets. Sources confirm the incident resulted in a lower back injury for the Heat star.
The Hornets won the game 127-126 in overtime. Ball scored the winning basket with 4.7 seconds remaining. Adebayo played only 11 minutes and did not return after the injury.
League to Interview Ball, Foul Upgrade Possible
The league has contacted the Hornets and the Heat. Ball will be interviewed, according to sources.
The play occurred early in the second quarter. There is a possibility the Ball play is upgraded to a flagrant foul 1 or a flagrant foul 2. However, sources doubt it would rise to a suspension.
Details of the Incident
After Ball had a shot blocked inside, Adebayo grabbed the rebound. He then tried to stay in bounds. Ball fell and swiped at Adebayo’s foot, causing him to fall hard with no whistle.
Play continued while Adebayo remained down. Pelle Larsson scored on a layup for Miami, and Ball scored on a dunk. The Heat then called a timeout with 10:58 left in the quarter.
Spoelstra’s Reaction
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra believes Ball should have been ejected. He said officials missed the play.
“I didn’t see it [when it happened], but I don’t think it’s cute,” Spoelstra said. “I don’t think it’s funny. 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 penalised for that. I don’t think that belongs in the game. Tripping guys, shenanigans.”
Ball Apologises, Official Explains No Review
Ball apologised twice after the Hornets’ win. “I apologise on that one,” he said of the trip. “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.”
Official Zach Zarba said the crew could not review the play. “The play wasn’t whistled in real time,” Zarba said. “Play continued with a fast break. And because play wasn’t stopped immediately, and there was no whistle on the play, the window to review the play was closed. Play was stopped, after a change of possession, and then a time out. So, by rule, our window to review that play then is closed.”
Zarba said league operations will determine if the play should have been a flagrant foul.
Prior Incident Between Ball and Adebayo
Video resurfaced of another incident between Ball and Adebayo after Tuesday’s play-in game. In a Heat regular-season win on Jan. 14, 2024, Ball appeared to intentionally reach for Adebayo’s leg as the Heat big man started to run up the court.
The Hornets next play Friday against the loser of Wednesday night’s Philadelphia 76ers-Orlando Magic play-in game.