Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball is under review by the NBA for potentially facing league punishment after tripping Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo during a play-in game. Adebayo sustained a back injury and exited the game following the incident. A ruling is expected before Friday's game.
Hornets guard LaMelo Ball could face a league punishment for tripping Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo during Charlotte's play-in victory on Tuesday night.
NBA insider Chris Haynes reported Wednesday that the league is reviewing the second-quarter incident, which knocked Adebayo out of the do-or-die game with a back injury.
Per the report, a ruling is expected before Friday, when the Hornets will face the loser of Wednesday's play-in game between the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers. The winner will earn the No. 8 playoff seed in the Eastern Conference.
Ball tried to explain his actions following the host Hornets' 127-126 overtime victory.'I apologize on that one. I got hit in the head and didn't really know where I was,' he said. 'But I'm going to check on him, see if he's OK and everything.'
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Ball should have been ejected after he yanked Adebayo's left foot, sending the Miami center crashing hard to the court. Ball was on the floor and he pulled the foot as Adebayo chased the loose ball.
'I didn't see it , 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,' Spoelstra said.
'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.'
Ball, 24, wound up with 30 points, including a layup with 4.7 seconds left in OT for the game-winning points.
Adebayo, 28, had six points and three rebounds before exiting. The three-time All-Star averaged a double-double during the regular season, putting up 20.1 points and 10.0 rebounds per contest.
--Field Level Media/Reuters
Lamelo Ball Bam Adebayo NBA Play-In Tournament League Punishment
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Philippines Faces Fiscal Challenges Amidst Oil Crisis and Inflationary PressuresThe Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) expresses concerns about the potential fiscal impact of a supplemental budget to address the economic fallout from the oil crisis and rising inflation in the Philippines. The government faces the challenge of providing aid without worsening the country's fiscal situation.
Read more »
Gov't faces P4.1B revenue loss from LPG, kerosene excise tax suspensionYour Trusted Online Source, The News Authority of the Filipino.
Read more »
India Faces Below-Average Monsoon Forecast in 2026, Raising Economic ConcernsIndia is likely to experience below-average monsoon rainfall in 2026, the first time in three years. This has raised concerns about agricultural output, inflation, and economic growth, with the El Niño phenomenon and potential disruptions to the global landscape further complicating the outlook.
Read more »
King Charles' US State Visit Faces Diplomatic Challenges Amidst Trump TensionsKing Charles' upcoming US state visit includes a meeting with Donald Trump, aiming to mend strained relations. The visit, marking the US's 250th anniversary of independence, faces challenges due to tensions over the Iran conflict and Trump's unpopularity in Britain.
Read more »
Heat left fuming over LaMelo Ball’s trip that injured Bam Adebayo in play-in loss'I don't think that belongs in the game — tripping guys, shenanigans,' says Heat coach Erik Spoelstra as star Bam Adebayo exits their play-in loss to the Hornets after being tripped by LaMelo Ball
Read more »
LaMelo Ball's Heroics and Controversy Lead Hornets Past Heat in OT ThrillerLaMelo Ball was a decisive force, scoring the game-winning layup in overtime and making a crucial block to secure a 127-126 victory for the Charlotte Hornets over the Miami Heat in the NBA play-in tournament. The win marked Charlotte's first ever win-or-go-home postseason game. However, Ball's performance was also marred by a controversial incident that led to Miami's Bam Adebayo exiting the game with an injury.
Read more »