NBA Says LaMelo Ball's Takedown of Bam Adebayo Was Flagrant, Merited Ejection

The league fined Ball $60,000 for the foul and profanity, but he remains eligible to play in the Hornets' elimination game.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:48am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the moment when LaMelo Ball reached out and tugged on Bam Adebayo's ankle, causing the Miami Heat player to suffer a back injury. The image is rendered in the cubist style, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the players' uniforms and the action on the court.A controversial play that cost the Miami Heat their season is deconstructed into a cubist painting, capturing the chaos and intensity of the moment.Today in Miami

The NBA has determined that Charlotte Hornets player LaMelo Ball should have been ejected from Tuesday's play-in tournament game against the Miami Heat for an uncalled flagrant foul on Heat star Bam Adebayo. The league said Ball made 'unnecessary and reckless contact' that caused a back injury to Adebayo, who had to leave the game. The missed call proved costly, as the Heat lost 127-126 in overtime, ending their season.

Why it matters

This controversial play highlights the importance of officials accurately calling flagrant fouls in high-stakes playoff games. The missed call significantly impacted the outcome, raising questions about the league's officiating standards and review process.

The details

In the second quarter, Ball reached out and tugged on Adebayo's ankle as the Heat center was running down the court. This caused Adebayo to suffer a back injury that forced him to exit the game. The NBA said this should have been ruled a flagrant foul, penalty two, which would have resulted in Miami being awarded two free throws and possession of the ball. Instead, play continued, and Ball made the decisive layup for the Hornets in overtime.

  • The incident occurred early in the second quarter of Tuesday's play-in tournament game.
  • Adebayo was injured and had to leave the game due to the back injury caused by Ball's foul.

The players

LaMelo Ball

The Charlotte Hornets point guard who committed the controversial foul on Bam Adebayo.

Bam Adebayo

The Miami Heat center who suffered a back injury due to LaMelo Ball's foul, forcing him to exit the game.

Erik Spoelstra

The head coach of the Miami Heat, who criticized the officials for missing the flagrant foul call.

Zach Zarba

One of the officials who was responsible for calling the game, but did not see the foul on Adebayo.

Curtis Blair

Another official who was on the court but did not call the foul on Adebayo.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think that belongs in the game, tripping guys, shenanigans. Curtis was there. It's his responsibility to see that. And if it's not his responsibility, then Zach's got to see it. Somebody's got to see that. He should have been thrown out of the game for that.”

— Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat Head Coach

“The play wasn't whistled in real time. 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.”

— Zach Zarba, NBA Official

What’s next

The NBA has fined LaMelo Ball $60,000 for the foul and for using profanity in an interview, but he remains eligible to play in the Hornets' elimination game against the Orlando Magic on Friday.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for more consistent and accurate officiating in high-stakes playoff games, where missed calls can have a significant impact on the outcome. The NBA's acknowledgment of the error may provide little solace to the Heat, who saw their season end due to the uncalled flagrant foul.