Hornets guard LaMelo Ball could face a league punishment for tripping Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo during Charlotte’s play-in victory on Tuesday night.
NBA insider Chris Haynes reported Wednesday that the league is reviewing the second-quarter incident, which knocked Adebayo out of the do-or-die game with a back injury.
Per the report, a ruling is expected before Friday, when the Hornets will face the loser of Wednesday’s play-in game between the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers. The winner will earn the No. 8 playoff seed in the Eastern Conference.
Ball tried to explain his actions following the host Hornets’ 127-126 overtime victory.
“I apologize on that one. I got hit in the head (on the preceding action) and didn’t really know where I was,” he said. “But I’m going to check on him, see if he’s OK and everything.”
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Ball should have been ejected after he yanked Adebayo’s left foot, sending the Miami center crashing hard to the court. Ball was on the floor and he pulled the foot as Adebayo chased the loose ball.
“I didn’t see it (when it happened), but 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. Obviously, our best player was out,” Spoelstra said.
“I’m not making an excuse. The Hornets played great and they made those plays down the stretch. We had our opportunities to win. That’s a shame. You should be penalized for that. I don’t think that belongs in the game — tripping guys, shenanigans.”
Ball, 24, wound up with 30 points, including a layup with 4.7 seconds left in OT for the game-winning points.
Adebayo, 28, had six points and three rebounds before exiting. The three-time All-Star averaged a double-double during the regular season, putting up 20.1 points and 10.0 rebounds per contest.
