NBA Reviewing Incident Involving LaMelo Ball and Bam Adebayo

The NBA is reviewing an on-court incident involving Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball and Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo during Tuesday's Play-In Tournament game. Adebayo left the game with a back injury and did not return. The Hornets won the game 127-126 in overtime.

The Incident and Injury

During the fourth quarter of the game, Hornets guard LaMelo Ball made contact with Heat center Bam Adebayo's leg, resulting in Adebayo falling to the court. Adebayo was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the contest with a back injury.

Following the game, the officiating crew stated the play was not reviewable because play was not whistled dead and the ball remained in play during the sequence.

Statements from Involved Parties

LaMelo Ball apologized after the game, stating, "I apologize on that one. I got hit in the head, didn't really know where I was but I'm going to check on him and see if he's okay and everything." He added that he had not seen a replay of the incident. When asked if the contact was intentional, he did not provide a clear answer.

Miami Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra criticized the play, saying, "He should have been thrown out of the game for that. There is no place in the game for that. I don't think it's cute, and I don't think it's funny. I think it's a stupid play. It's a dangerous play and obviously our best player was out."

FS1 analyst Nick Wright called Ball a "clown" during a broadcast commentary on the incident. Wright later stated he stood by his comments.

Lonzo Ball, LaMelo Ball's brother, responded to the criticism on social media, writing, "[People] be running they mouth and never touched a rock."

League Review and Potential Discipline

The NBA has confirmed it is reviewing the play. Regarding potential discipline for Ball, NBA reporter Chris Haynes said he would be "surprised" if Ball was suspended for the Hornets' next Play-In Tournament game.

The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Miami Heat 127-126 in overtime. The status of Bam Adebayo for Miami's next game is not yet known.