x
LaMelo Ball apologizes for dirty foul on Bam Adebayo
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball. Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

LaMelo Ball apologizes for dirty foul on Bam Adebayo

The Charlotte Hornets will live for another day after taking down the Miami Heat in the No. 9 - No. 10 game of the play-in tournament.

Coby White saved the day with a clutch three-pointer to force overtime, and LaMelo Ball scored a game-winning layup after nearly blowing a five-point lead with under one minute to play.

However, Ball's most influential moment of the game didn't come on offense. He clearly swiped Bam Adebayo's leg, forcing him to fall hard on his lower back and to miss the rest of the game.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra put Ball on blast for the dirty play, and Ball apologized. The apology, however, won't save Ball from facing NBA discipline. The league announced its punishment for him on Wednesday.

LaMelo Ball says he'll check on Bam Adebayo

"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. I haven't even seen it," Ball said.

Adebayo left the floor after just 11 minutes, leaving the Heat without their best player in the biggest game of the season.

Ball, on the other hand, finished the game with 30 points, five rebounds, 10 assists, two three-pointers, one steal and one block. Still, that wasn't a good look at all.

The Hornets will now try to clinch a playoff spot when they face the and Orlando Magic on Friday.

Ernesto Cova

Ernesto is a bilingual (English-Spanish) sports writer with over eight years of experience covering major leagues such as the NBA, NFL, and MLB. Ernesto’s work focuses on providing insightful, up-to-date coverage of sports, blending his expertise in sports psychology with a passion for analyzing player performance, team dynamics, and trade developments across various sports leagues

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!