Heat Upset LaMelo Ball Wasn't Ejected for Tripping Bam Adebayo

Adebayo's injury in play-in game against Hornets sparks controversy over officials' handling of 'dangerous' play

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:05am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the confrontation between two basketball players in overlapping planes of bright team colors, capturing the intensity and fractured perspectives of the heated moment.A heated play-in game between the Heat and Hornets turns contentious after a controversial non-call on a dangerous foul that injured Miami's star center.Today in Miami

In the NBA play-in game between the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets, Heat center Bam Adebayo was injured early in the second quarter after Hornets guard LaMelo Ball grabbed Adebayo's ankle as he landed, causing him to fall hard to the court. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was outraged that no foul was called and that officials did not review the play for a potential flagrant foul, which he believed should have resulted in Ball's ejection.

Why it matters

Adebayo's injury was a significant blow to the Heat, as he is a three-time All-Star and a key player on both offense and defense. The controversial non-call and lack of review by officials sparked outrage from the Heat organization and raised questions about the league's handling of dangerous plays that could lead to player injuries.

The details

With just over 10 minutes left in the second quarter and the Hornets leading 30-26, Adebayo grabbed a rebound after a LaMelo Ball layup was blocked. As Adebayo landed near the baseline, Ball, who was on the ground, grabbed the back of Adebayo's left ankle while Adebayo's right leg was in the air. Adebayo fell hard to the court and was in immediate pain, needing help to walk to the locker room. The Heat later ruled him out with a lower back injury.

  • The incident occurred with just over 10 minutes left in the second quarter.
  • Adebayo was ruled out of the game in the final minutes of the third quarter.

The players

Bam Adebayo

A three-time NBA All-Star and a force on both offense and defense for the Miami Heat, Adebayo was the best big man in the game and gave the Heat an edge inside when he was on the court.

LaMelo Ball

The star guard for the Charlotte Hornets, Ball was involved in the controversial play that led to Adebayo's injury.

Erik Spoelstra

The head coach of the Miami Heat, Spoelstra was outraged that no foul was called on the play and that officials did not review it for a potential flagrant foul.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think it's cute. I don't think it's funny. I think it's a stupid play. It's a dangerous play. He should be penalized for that. …I don't think that belongs in the game, tripping guys.”

— Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach, Miami Heat

“Curtis [Blair] was there. It's his responsibility to see that. And if it's not his responsibility, then Zach [Zarba]'s got to see it. Somebody's got to see that. He should have been thrown out of the game for that. There's no place in the game for that. But that did not deter us.”

— Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach, Miami Heat

What’s next

The NBA is expected to review the play and determine if any disciplinary action should be taken against LaMelo Ball for the incident.

The takeaway

This controversial play highlights the ongoing debate around player safety in the NBA and the need for officials to be vigilant in identifying and penalizing dangerous actions that could lead to serious injuries. The Heat's frustration with the handling of the situation underscores the high stakes involved in the play-in tournament, where a single game can make or break a team's playoff hopes.