
The NBA may not be done with this one.
According to Amazon Prime insider Chris Haynes, the league is expected to review the play involving Hornets guard LaMelo Ball and Heat big man Bam Adebayo that helped swing Tuesday’s play-in game. Haynes says a ruling is expected before Friday’s play-in game.
That play loomed large.
Adebayo went down hard in the second quarter after Ball appeared to grab his leg while falling to the floor. No foul was called, and Miami’s All-Star big man did not return due to a lower back injury.
Is this a dirty play by LaMelo? pic.twitter.com/tPebBPDLDC
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 15, 2026
Afterward, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra didn’t hold back.
“He should have been thrown out of the game for that,” Spoelstra said. “There is no place in the game for that.”
“I don’t think it’s cute, and I don’t think it’s funny,” he added. “I think it’s a stupid play. It’s a dangerous play.”
Ball, who finished with 30 points and hit the game-winner in the Hornets’ overtime win, said the contact wasn’t intentional.
“I apologize on that one,” Ball said. “I got hit in the head and didn’t really know where I was… I’m going to check on him.”
Officials did not review the play in real time because there was no whistle, but the league now has the opportunity to take a closer look.
And that is what the leagiue is doing.
More must-reads:
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!