LaMelo Ball does not deserve a suspension for 'dirty' Bam Adebayo play
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball hit a go-ahead basket to lead his team to an overtime victory over the Miami Heat during the play-in tournament. Earlier in the game, during the second quarter, Ball hit the hardwood after driving to the basket. While he was on the floor, it appeared Ball may have pulled down Bam Adebayo in the process.
The big man, who scored 83 points in a single game earlier this season, left the game with injury and was not able to return . Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said it was a " stupid play " during a rant after the loss. Ball had a slightly unconvincing excuse for what happened.
Many have argued that Ball should have been ejected for what happened during this unfortunate moment. While that is possibly true (even if it would have robbed fans of an exciting go-ahead shot in extra rime) about Ball, that does not mean he deserves a suspension. Sources: NBA to review Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball for taking out ankle of Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo in 2nd Q, resulting in hard spill and back injury that cost him rest of crucial do-or-die play-in contest.
Ruling expected before Hornets’ final play-in bout on Friday. pic. twitter.
com/o6z9FwFziA — Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 15, 2026 The league will investigate the incident and a ruling is expected before Friday when the Hornets play the loser of the play-in game between the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers. Some have argued that Ball was simply avoiding getting stepped on and it would have been difficult for him to actually take the 255-pound Adebayo down from the floor using just his left hand. As noted by ESPN's Iman Shumpert, who played 10 seasons in the NBA, moments like these are unfortunate but do happen .