The Charlotte Hornets’ 127-126 overtime win over the Miami Heat in the NBA Play-In Tournament was overshadowed by a controversial second-quarter play involving LaMelo Ball and Bam Adebayo. The incident resulted in Adebayo leaving the game with a lower back injury and not returning, a significant blow in a win-or-go-home setting.
During the sequence, Ball drove to the basket and fell after contact. As Adebayo attempted to save the ball while balancing near the sideline, Ball made contact with his leg, causing the Heat center to lose balance and fall hard to the floor. Adebayo remained down briefly before walking to the locker room. The Heat later confirmed he would not return.
The play drew strong reactions after the game, including from Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra, who called it “a stupid play” and said Ball should have been ejected. However, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith offered a different perspective, arguing that while the play was wrong, the officials made the correct decision not to eject Ball given the circumstances.
Stephen A. Smith on Referee’s Decision
GettyStephen A. Smith
Stephen A. Smith acknowledged that Ball’s action could have warranted a flagrant foul but defended the referees’ decision to keep him in the game.
“LaMelo Ball is driving to the basket… Bam Adebayo is on one leg off balance and falling back when LaMelo Ball definitely swiped his left leg,” Smith said. “There’s no question that he did it.”
Smith added that a stronger call could have been justified, but drew the line at an ejection.
“Me personally, I think that it should have been called,” Smith said. “But I think an ejection… particularly considering the magnitude of the game… I think that would have been a bit extreme.”
He emphasized that officials had to make the decision in real time without knowing the severity of Adebayo’s injury.
“The referees can’t possibly know that,” Smith said. “If you’ve got a playoff berth on the line… you certainly don’t want to eject somebody in the second quarter and make that kind of decision.”
Smith also referenced other incidents to frame his argument, noting that he did not view the play as severe as other flagrant actions around the league. Still, he maintained that league discipline could follow.
“In hindsight… there definitely should be a punishment coming down the pike,” Smith said. “It’s important for the league to send a message moving forward.”
Bam Adebayo Injury, Erik Spoelstra, LaMelo Ball Response
GettyCharlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball and Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo
From Miami’s perspective, the incident directly affected the outcome. Adebayo, one of the team’s key players, was unable to return, leaving the Heat short-handed in a tightly contested game they ultimately lost in overtime.
Spoelstra did not hold back in his postgame comments.
“I didn’t see it, but I don’t think it’s cute, I don’t think it’s funny,” Spoelstra said. He added, “I think it’s a stupid play… I don’t think that belongs in the game.”
He also made it clear he believed stronger action should have been taken.
“Somebody has got to see that, and he should’ve been thrown out of the game for that,” Spoelstra said.
Ball addressed the situation after the game, apologizing and explaining his perspective on the play.
“I apologize on that one,” Ball said. “I got hit in the head and didn’t really know where I was, but I’m going to check in on him to see if he’s OK.”
Ball reiterated that he was unaware of the situation in real time and had not seen the replay when speaking to reporters.
The NBA is expected to review the incident, according to Chris Haynes, and may take further action depending on its assessment.
The sequence has added another layer of controversy to the Play-In Tournament, raising questions about player safety, officiating decisions, and how such plays should be handled in high-stakes games.
While opinions remain divided, the impact was clear. Adebayo’s absence changed the dynamic for Miami, and the Hornets advanced after a one-point victory.
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