US EditionMiami’s Bam Adebayo Exits Play-in Game with Injury
The Heat said Adebayo was questionable to return after the hard fall, and officials could not review the play because possession had changed.
- On Tuesday, Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo left the NBA Play-In Tournament game against the Charlotte Hornets early in the second quarter after suffering a lower back injury when Hornets guard LaMelo Ball tripped him.
- Replays showed Ball swiping at Adebayo's foot while on the ground, causing the center to land hard on his back; officials could not review the play because action continued without a stoppage.
- Social media users labeled the incident a "DIRTY A** PLAY" by Ball, while longtime Heat reporter Ira Winderman said he would "love to be in the room at halftime when Spoelstra sees Ball."
- Adebayo was ruled out for the remainder of the game, and the Heat inserted forward Jaime Jacquez Jr. into the lineup while trailing the Hornets 30-26 at the time of the injury.
- Losing Adebayo complicates Miami's postseason hopes in this win-or-go-home elimination game, as the winner will advance to face either the Philadelphia 76ers or Orlando Magic for a playoff spot.
64 Articles
64 Articles
Ball trips Adebayo, then bounces Heat
Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said LaMelo Ball should have been ejected for appearing to deliberately trip Bam Adebayo, leading to a lower back injury that knocked the Heat's star center out of Tuesday night's 127-126 play-in tournament loss to the Charlotte Hornets.
LaMelo Ball Hit With Two 5-Figure Fines as NBA Clarifies Suspension Stance Over Bam Adebayo Incident
The Charlotte Hornets avoided the worst. The NBA has officially handed down its judgment on one of the most polarizing sequences of the 2026 postseason. The Hornets will have their star guard in the playoffs but for a hefty sum. Despite their stroke of good luck, the NBA might not come out looking good from this. The league acknowledged that LaMelo Ball’s action that resulted in Bam Adebayo’s injury was unnecessary. It served him consequences fo…
Heat's Erik Spoelstra calls LaMelo Ball's play 'stupid' after Bam Adebayo injured in play-in loss
LaMelo Ball's yank on Bam Adebayo's foot should have led to ejection, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said. Miami missed the NBA Playoffs after an overtime Play-In Tournament loss.
'Should Have Been Thrown Out' - Erik Spoelstra Handled The Loss By Going Off On LaMelo For His 'Dirty, Stupid, Dangerous' Play On Bam Adebayo
Read more about 'Should Have Been Thrown Out' - Erik Spoelstra Handled The Loss By Going Off On LaMelo For His 'Dirty, Stupid, Dangerous' Play On Bam Adebayo on https://www.barstoolsports.com/
Heat left fuming over LaMelo Ball's trip that injured Bam Adebayo in play-in loss
LaMelo Ball wound up as the hero for the Charlotte Hornets in their play-in victory over the Heat on Tuesday, but Miami coach Erik Spoelstra believes Ball should have been ejected from the game in the first half. Ball tripped Heat star Bam Adebayo early in the second quarter, pulling on his left ankle, and Adebayo fell hard to the floor under the basket. Adebayo sustained a back injury that kept him out for the remainder of host Charlotte’s 127-…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
