Erik Spoelstra says Hornets’ LaMelo Ball should’ve been ejected for ‘stupid play’ that injured Bam Adebayo

The Miami Heat pushed the Charlotte Hornets to the brink in the Eastern Conference’s No. 9 vs. No. 10 play-in game on Tuesday, and they did it largely without the services of their best player. Bam Adebayo left the game early in the second quarter after just 11 minutes of play and did not return due to a lower back injury. The Hornets eventually took over in overtime with a one-point victory that ended Miami’s season.

Injuries are usually random, but the Heat aren’t happy with how this one happened. Hornets star LaMelo Ball attempted a shot in the paint that was blocked by Simone Fontecchio, and Ball fell to the floor. There, he apparently pulled Adebayo to the ground with him, and Adebayo fell on his tailbone.

After the game, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra expressed frustration with the lack of consequences for Ball’s retirement.

“I don’t think it’s cute. I don’t think it’s funny,” Spoelstra said. “I think it’s a stupid play. It’s a dangerous play. Obviously our best player was out. I’m not making excuses. The Hornets played really well. They made those plays down the stretch. We had our opportunities down the stretch. It’s a shame. He should have been penalized for that. Stumbles, shenanigans. [Referre] Curtis [Blair] was there, it was his responsibility to see that, and if it’s not his responsibility, [crew chief] Zac [Zarba]You have to see that. Someone has to see this. He should have been kicked out of the game for that.”

Ball blamed the incident for his fall and promised to apologize to Adebayo. “I apologize for that one. I got hit in the head and I didn’t really know where I was. But I’m going to check on him and see if he’s okay and everything,” Ball said.

The Hornets ended up winning 127-126 and Ball made the game-winning layup with five seconds left.

The ball could still be disciplined for the play afterwards. The Hornets will play again Friday, when they face the loser of Wednesday’s Philadelphia 76ers game against the Orlando Magic for the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. While a suspension for such a high-profile match certainly seems unlikely, a fine seems plausible given the seemingly unnecessary nature of the offense.

Regardless, Adebayo’s absence contributed to Miami’s eventual elimination from the playoffs, and in such a close game, his presence could have easily swung the outcome. Intentional or not, Ball’s foul may have tipped the game and ultimately the Heat’s season.