Erik Spoelstra Had Words for LaMelo Ball After Bam Adebayo's Injury During Hornets-Heat
The Miami Heat's experience in the play-in tournament did not help them against the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday. The Heat also had to deal with a tough injury to Bam Adebayo early in the second quarter. It happened when he landed awkwardly after securing a rebound.
The Heat argued that Hornets star LaMelo Ball played a crucial role in Adebayo's fall. As soon as the big man's left foot was planted on the floor, Ball swept him from his balance with his left hand. The three-time All-Star remained on the floor, and he headed to the locker room. Eventually, Miami confirmed that he would not return to the game.
Erik Spoelstra Criticized LaMelo Ball After the Game
During his postgame news conference, Erik Spoelstra, the head coach of the Heat, did not hold back while criticizing the play for being dirty.
"I didn't see it. 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," Spoelstra said. "Obviously, our best player was out. I'm not making excuses.
"The Hornets played great, they made those plays down the stretch. We had opportunities to win, that's a shame. He should be penalized for that. I don't think that belongs in the game, tripping guys."
"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…I don't think that belongs in the game, tripping guys."
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 15, 2026
- Erik Spoelstra on LaMelo's play on Bam.
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24)
pic.twitter.com/MIvuaVuS3g
Spoelstra also called out the officials for failing to see Ball's action on Adebayo. According to him, it's their responsibility to see everything that's happening in the game. The head coach said that the Hornets star should've been taken out of the game.
All-Star guard Tyler Herro also did not like how Ball caused his co-star to fall.
"We all know. It was not the right play," Herro said, who had 23 points for the team.
Without Adebayo, the Heat struggled and suffered a close 127-126 overtime loss to the Hornets. The loss ends Miami's bid to be in the playoffs, ending their 6-year streak of being in the postseason. The last time they missed the postseason was during the 2018-19 season.
Ball addressed what happened to him and Adebayo after the game in front of the media. According to the former Chino Hills star, he reached out to the Heat center to apologize.
"I apologize on that one. I got hit in the head and didn't know where I was. I'mma check on him to see if he's okay and everything."
LaMelo apologized to Bam Adebayo. pic.twitter.com/2ZFGymBUkf
— Scott Fowler (@scott_fowler) April 15, 2026
The Hornets will wait to see which team will lose between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Orlando Magic to determine their next play-in tournament matchup.
Related: Hornets' LaMelo Ball Makes Request After Scoring Game-Winner Against Heat
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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 10:30 PM.