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Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra believed Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball should have been ejected after pulling on star center Bam Adebayo’s foot, causing a lower back injury.
The incident occurred in the second quarter of their Play-In Tournament game on Tuesday night, where Adebayo had to sit out the rest of the game after crashing hard to the ground following Ball’s action.
Charlotte ended up winning the game in overtime, 127-126. As a result, the Heat missed the NBA Playoffs for the first time since the 2018-19 campaign.
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Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat watches the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on April 14, 2026. (Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Spoelstra didn’t try to make excuses after the game for Adebayo’s absence and the loss. But he thought Ball’s actions deserved harsh consequences.
“I didn’t see it, but I don’t think it’s pretty,” 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 very well and made those plays down the stretch. We had our chances to win. It’s a shame.”
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Spoelstra added that Ball “should be punished” for what he did.
“I don’t think that belongs in the game: tripping guys up, doing mischief,” he said.
Ball also ended up being the hero for Charlotte in the end, making a key layup in overtime with 4.7 seconds left to go up 127-126.
After the match, Ball apologized for his actions that caused Adebayo to miss the rest of the contest. He also gave a reason why he did it.
Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat reacts after a drop in the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on April 14, 2026. (Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
“I apologize for that,” he said. “They hit me on the head [on the play] and I really didn’t know where I was. But I’m going to check on him, see if he’s okay and everything.”
At Ball’s point, he attempted a long shot, which was blocked near the rim. Then, as Adebayo went for the rebound and tried to stay inbounds at the same time, Ball hit Adebayo’s foot with his left arm.
Spoelstra had a problem with officials, especially Curtis Blair, who he said was there to witness what happened.
“It’s their responsibility to see that,” Spoelstra said. “And if it’s not your responsibility, then Zach’s.” [Zarba] I have to see it. “Someone has to see that and he should have been thrown out of the game for that.”
Zarba explained his team after the game, through a group reporter.
LaMelo Ball celebrates with Coby White of the Charlotte Hornets in overtime against the Miami Heat at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on April 14, 2026. (Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
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“The play was not called in real time,” Zarba explained. “The play continued with a fast break. And because play was not stopped immediately and there was no whistle on the play, the window to review the play was closed. The play was stopped, after a change of possession and then a timeout. So, by rule, our window to review that play is closed.”
While Adebayo left the game with six points and three rebounds, Ball finished with 30 points on 12-of-31 shooting, as well as 10 assists for a double-double and five rebounds.
