LaMelo Ball Fined for Dangerous Foul on Bam Adebayo, No suspension
LaMelo Ball faces a total fine of $60,000 following his controversial play that injured Bam Adebayo during the play-in game between Charlotte and Miami. The Hornets guard avoids suspension and will be available to play Friday against Orlando.
Photo Credit : © Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
The NBA has issued its ruling on the controversial play by LaMelo Ball against Bam Adebayo during the play-in game between Charlotte and Miami on Tuesday night. The Hornets guard was fined $35,000 for « unnecessary and reckless contact » that created « a significant risk of injury » to the Heat center.
The disputed play occurred early in the second quarter. After being blocked by Simone Fontecchio, Ball fell to the floor near Adebayo, who was retrieving the ball. The Charlotte player then grabbed the Miami center’s ankle, causing him to fall hard on his back. Adebayo, who suffered a lower back injury, never returned to the game, which ended in a 127-126 overtime victory for the Hornets.
A Flagrant 2 Foul Assessed After the Fact
The league also retroactively assessed Ball a Flagrant 2 foul for the play. Had the foul been called in real time, the guard would have been immediately ejected. The referees did not call anything at the moment, and according to referee Zach Zarba, they were unable to review the play because « the game continued with a fast break » without any stoppage.
Erik Spoelstra, the Heat head coach, did not hold back after the loss: « I don’t find it funny at all. It’s a stupid and dangerous play. He should be punished for that. Those kinds of plays have no place on a basketball court. He should have been ejected. »
Ball apologized after the game: « I apologize for that play. I took a hit to the head and didn’t really know where I was, but I’ll check on him and see if he’s okay. »
In addition to the fine for his foul on Adebayo, Ball was also fined an additional $25,000 for using profane language during a post-game television interview, bringing his total fines to $60,000.
Despite these penalties, Ball avoids suspension and will be available for Friday’s crucial game against Orlando. A win would send the Hornets to the playoffs for the first time since 2016, while a loss would end their season.
Is this a dirty play by LaMelo? pic.twitter.com/tPebBPDLDC
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 15, 2026
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With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
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