Hornets' Ball fined $60K for pair of play-in incidents

NBA penalizes LaMelo Ball for reckless contact and profanity during play-in game loss to Heat

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:09am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the collision between two basketball players, their forms broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vibrant color.The NBA's crackdown on dangerous plays highlights the high stakes and heated rivalries of the playoff push.Charlotte Today

The NBA has fined Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball a total of $60,000 for two separate incidents during the team's play-in game loss to the Miami Heat. Ball was fined $35,000 for making "unnecessary and reckless contact" with Heat center Bam Adebayo, who suffered a lower back injury on the play. He was also fined $25,000 for using profane language during a TV interview after the game.

Why it matters

The fines highlight the NBA's emphasis on player safety and sportsmanship, especially in high-stakes playoff games. Ball's actions were seen as dangerous and unsportsmanlike, and the league took swift action to penalize him. The incidents also add to the growing rivalry between Ball and Adebayo, two of the league's rising young stars.

The details

In the second quarter of Tuesday's play-in game, Ball had a shot blocked and then swiped at Adebayo's foot as the Heat center tried to secure the rebound, sending Adebayo crashing to the floor. Adebayo suffered a lower back injury and did not return to the game. Ball was assessed a flagrant foul 2 upon review, though no foul was called during the game. Later, Ball was fined an additional $25,000 for using profane language during a TV interview after the Hornets' 127-126 overtime loss.

  • The incidents occurred during Tuesday's play-in game between the Hornets and Heat.
  • The NBA announced the fines on Wednesday night.

The players

LaMelo Ball

The star point guard of the Charlotte Hornets, who was fined a total of $60,000 by the NBA for his actions during the play-in game.

Bam Adebayo

The Miami Heat's star center, who suffered a lower back injury after being knocked to the floor by Ball in the second quarter of the play-in game.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't see it [when it happened], but 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. 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. Tripping guys, shenanigans.”

— Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat Head Coach

“I apologize on that one. 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.”

— LaMelo Ball

What’s next

Ball and the Hornets will face the loser of Wednesday's Philadelphia 76ers-Orlando Magic play-in game on Friday.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the NBA's commitment to player safety and sportsmanship, even in high-intensity playoff games. The fines sent a clear message that reckless and unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated, and it will be interesting to see if the rivalry between Ball and Adebayo continues to escalate in the future.