Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra slammed LaMelo Ball during his postgame press conference after the Charlotte Hornets point guard’s controversial play caused Bam Adebayo to get hurt during the Heat’s 127-126 play-in loss to the Hornets.
During Tuesday night’s high-stakes matchup against the Hornets, a questionable maneuver by Ball sent Adebayo crashing to the hardwood, resulting in a lower back injury that forced the latter out for the remainder of the game.
Erik Spoelstra Slams LaMelo Ball’s ‘Stupid Play’ Following Bam Adebayo’s Exit
Early in the second quarter, Adebayo became tangled with Ball while trying to grab a rebound, as replays appeared to show the Hornets point guard tripping the Miami big man. The collision caused Adebayo to lose his footing and take a hard fall directly onto his back.
The Hornets were holding a 30-26 lead against the Heat when Adebayo exited due to a lower back injury. Immediately, social media erupted with people calling out Ball’s “dirty play.”
Is this a dirty play by LaMelo? pic.twitter.com/tPebBPDLDC
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 15, 2026
Following the game, Spoelstra was visibly irate and launched a scathing rant at Ball.
“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. He should be penalized for that. I don’t think that belongs in the game, tripping guys. Somebody has got to see that. He should have been thrown out of the game for that.
“I didn’t see it. The bench was telling me. I didn’t want to see it,” he added. “There’s no place in the game for those kind of shenanigans. It wasn’t needed and he was frustrated. I think he felt like he got fouled so he takes the liberty of yanking somebody. That should be penalized.”
Erik Spoelstra on LaMelo Ball’s dirty play on Bam:
“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. He should be penalized for that. I don’t think that belongs in the game, tripping guys. Somebody has got to see that. He… pic.twitter.com/7pbCWPnUv8
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) April 15, 2026
Before the injury, Adebayo had been chugging along, recording 6 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist in 11 minutes of play while shooting a perfect 3-for-3 from the floor.
Without their defensive anchor, the Heat went into overtime and ultimately fell short in a heartbreaking 127-126 loss.
Ball, who did not face immediate discipline for the trip, finished the night with a double-double, recording 30 points, 10 assists, and 5 rebounds.
After a careless turnover that let Miami take a 126-125 lead with 8.7 seconds left, Ball redeemed himself on the next possession. Driving down the right side of the lane, he sank a leaning, right-handed layup with just 4.7 seconds remaining in OT.
The thriller was sealed when Miles Bridges blocked Davion Mitchell’s final layup attempt at the buzzer, eliminating Miami.
