Spoelstra Slams LaMelo Ball for Tripping Adebayo in Play-In Game Loss

Erik Spoelstra blasted LaMelo Ball for tripping Bam Adebayo in the second quarter of the Miami Heat’s 127-126 loss to the Charlotte Hornets in the play-in game. The Heat coach called the play “stupid” and “dangerous,” saying Ball should have been ejected for the incident. Adebayo left the game with a lower back injury and did not return, missing the final 28 minutes of the contest.

Spoelstra was vocal about the call after the game. “I didn't see it [when it happened], but 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. Obviously, our best player was out.” The Heat’s head coach stopped short of making excuses but was clear on his stance. “You should be penalized for that. I don't think that belongs in the game -- tripping guys, shenanigans.”

Ball finished with 30 points and 10 assists in the Hornets’ win. The play in question came with 7:20 left in the second quarter. Adebayo had just eight minutes on the court when he was injured, scoring six points and grabbing three rebounds. His absence shifted the balance of the game, as the Heat struggled to keep pace with Charlotte in the second half.

Spoelstra also pointed to the officiating as a factor. “Somebody has got to see that and that he should have been thrown out of the game for that,” he said. “I don't know him from anyone. There's no place in the game for that.” The call was not reviewed and no flag was thrown on the play.

Ball, for his part, issued an apology after the game. “I apologize on that one. I got hit in the head [on the play] and didn't really know where I was. But I'm going to check on him, see if he's OK and everything.” His comments suggest the play was unintentional, though the damage to the Heat was real.

The loss ended the Heat’s season and marked the first time since the 2018-19 campaign that Miami missed the playoffs. With Jimmy Butler sidelined for the final month of the season with a knee injury, the team fell short of the 10th seed. The Hornets, meanwhile, secured a spot in the first round of the playoffs with the win.

The Heat will now evaluate their roster and draft position ahead of the NBA Draft in June. Adebayo’s injury adds another layer to their off-season planning. With the season over, the focus shifts to how the Heat can rebuild and retool for next year.