Miami Heat Coach Goes OFF After His Star Player Was Tripped by LaMelo Ball and Left Crucial Game With Injury
Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was livid after star center Bam Adebayo was injured on what he considered to be a dirty by Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball.
Screenshot Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra on Tuesday was livid after star center Bam Adebayo was injured on what he considered to be a dirty by Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball . The Heat and Hornets faced off Tuesday night in the NBA play-in tournament, with the winner going on to play another game for a chance at the eighth seed in the playoffs. In the second quarter of the game, Ball fell to the ground after driving to the basket to attempt a layup.
While he was on the ground, he grabbed the heel of Adebayo’s foot and caused it to lift off the ground. As a result, Adebayo fell on his back and left the game with an injury. He did not return, and the Heat lost 127-126.
Miami’s season came to end with the loss. Bam Adebayo was ruled out for the game after being injured on this play pic. twitter.
com/vJVTQnGUVZ — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 15, 2026 After the game, Spoelstra said he didn’t actually see the play at the time. Once he got a look at it after, he made it clear he believed Ball should have faced severe punishment for the “stupid play. ” “I didn’t see it, but that– I don’t think it’s cute, I don’t think it’s funny,” Spoelstra said to the media.