LaMelo Ball Issues Apology After Bam Adebayo Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Kevin Matthew Borba | Last updated Apr 15, 2026 1:52 AM ET

The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Miami Heat in overtime by a score of 127-126 in the NBA play-in tournament.

While it was a gritty victory that saw LaMelo Ball hit what would be the game-winning layup with 4.7 seconds remaining, the sixth-year pro found himself in hot water throughout and after the game due to an instance in the second quarter.

With 10:50 remaining in the second period, Ball drove to the lane with the hopes of fighting through contact to hit a runner. His shot was blocked, and he stumbled to the floor. In the process of a few bodies getting tangled up in pursuit of the loose ball, the Hornets guard appeared to swipe and trip Miami's Bam Adebayo.

Bam Adebayo landed hard on his tailbone and is on the ground in pain.

Hope he’s okay pic.twitter.com/rlWXASMmP4
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 15, 2026

The fall ended up hurting Adebayo enough to where he didn't return to the game, and resulted in Ball apologizing when speaking to the media after the win.

"I apologize on that one," Ball said via ESPN. "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."

While he clearly didn't intend to injure Adebayo, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra was unforgiving after the game.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) reacts after a basket against the New York Knicks during the first half at Madison Square Garden.Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The two-time champion head coach made it clear after the game that he felt Ball should have been punished immediately.

"I didn't see it, 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 penalized for that. I don't think that belongs in the game," Spoelstra said. "Tripping guys, shenanigans."

The NBA has yet to announce whether or not Ball will be fined at this time. The Hornets will play the loser of Wednesday's play-in game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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