Heat HC Erik Spolstra Livid Over LaMelo Ball-Bam Adebayo Incident
Following the Charlotte Hornets’ thrilling 127-126 overtime win over the Miami Heat on Tuesday night in the Play-In Tournament, the focus was on star guard LaMelo Ball’s actions that contributed to Bam Adebayo hurting his back.
The play in question came in the second quarter after Ball pulled Adebayo’s left foot on a rebound that led to the Heat star big man landing hard on the floor, injuring his lower back.
Adebayo would miss the rest of the contest, leaving Miami without arguably its best player in the biggest game of the season.
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After the loss, head coach Erik Spoelstra didn’t mince his words, stating that Ball should have been thrown out of the game for his actions.
“I didn’t see it [when it happened], but I don’t think it’s cute,” Spoelstra said via ESPN. “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.”
The replay of the incident put forth what looked to be irrefutable evidence that Ball purposely pulled Adebayo’s leg, causing him to fall hard on his back. After the game, the Hornets’ star guard apologized for his actions.
“I apologize on that one,” Ball said. “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.”
Ball and the Hornets are set to play the Orlando Magic for the eighth seed on Friday night.
