The Charlotte Hornets took care of business against the Miami Heat in the NBA Play-In Tournament on Tuesday night. After the game, Hornets star LaMelo Ball had to face some heat due to his participation in Bam Adebayo’s injury.
During the first half of the Hornets-Heat battle, Adebayo took a hard fall. Instant replay showed that Ball grabbed at Adebayo’s leg, which many viewed as a hostile act. The play was not eligible for review, leaving Ball without a technical foul or ejection.
After the game, Ball publicly apologized to Adebayo, explaining his involvement in the incident.
GettyCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 03: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets walks off the court after defeating the Dallas Mavericks during their game at Spectrum Center on March 03, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
âI apologize on that one. I got hit on the head, didnât really know where I was. But Iâm going to check on him and see if heâs going to be OK,” Ball told reporters after the game.
The veteran guard denied having a concussion or even getting evaluated for one during his interaction with a reporter.
Beyond the public message that Ball sent through the press, the star guard didn’t actually reach out to Adebayo, according to the star center. Adebayo addressed Ball on Thursday.
What Did Bam Adebayo Say About LaMelo Ball?
GettyCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 06: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets knocks the ball away from Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat in the second half during their game at Spectrum Center on March 06, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
“It didn’t happen,” Adebayo said. “By that time, I was in the shower trying to figure out what I was going to do next. You know, just obviously, everything happened all at once. And you know, I wanted to be out there. So, you know, at some point I’ll see him again. We’ll have that conversation and move on.”
Adebayo made it clear that he’s never had “bad blood” with Ball in the past. He added that they’ve shared “good conversations” before, but the star center is unsure about Ball’s intentions at the end of the day.
For the most part, Adebayo was more concerned with how the situation was handled from an officiating perspective. A review wouldn’t have allowed Adebayo to return, as his injury was bad enough to keep him off the court.
However, it might’ve led to a star-for-star situation in the game. Many believed that Ball’s actions could have led to an ejection if referees got a clearer look at the situation.
Ball won’t be suspended for the act, but he’s been fined by the NBA. Clearly, there was wrongdoing, but it won’t change anything. The Miami Heat’s season has ended, and the Hornets are moving to phase 2 in the NBA Play-In Tournament with Ball on board.
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