"He Should Have Been Ejected!" Unsportsmanlike Play Shocks NBA, Jovic's Coach Outraged: "Foolish and Dangerous!" /VIDEO/

Pulse Sports Team 08:43 - 15 April 2026

LaMelo Ball led the Charlotte Hornets to the NBA Play-In Tournament final, but a controversial play in the first quarter, which saw Miami Heat player Bam Adebayo injured, has sparked significant debate.

The Charlotte Hornets edged out Miami 127-126 in overtime, with LaMelo Ball sinking the game-winning basket. However, before his heroics, Ball inadvertently "injured" the Heat's star player, Bam Adebayo.

During one possession, Ball fell to the court and, in the process, pulled Adebayo's leg. The towering center subsequently tumbled, sustaining an injury.

Following the game, Erik Spoelstra voiced his strong disapproval of the Hornets guard's actions.

He should have been ejected for that! There's no place for such actions in basketball. I don't find it "cute" or amusing. It was a foolish, dangerous play, and it took our best player out of the game. I'm not making excuses, but this is an embarrassment. He deserves to be penalized; these kinds of tricks and tripping tactics have no place in this league. Erik Spoelstra

LaMelo Ball also offered his perspective on the incident.

"I apologize for everything. I took a hit to the head on the drive and honestly didn't know where I was at that moment. I'll check on Bam; I hope he's okay. I was just playing basketball; I had no intention of hurting anyone," Ball explained, despite not being sent for a concussion check after the incident.

Head referee Zach Zarba provided an official explanation in his report.

No foul was called in real-time. A fast break ensued, and play was only stopped after a change of possession and a timeout. According to the rules, the window for video review was closed at that point. Nevertheless, we reviewed the footage at halftime and forwarded it to the league office, which will decide on any subsequent disciplinary action. Zach Zarba