CHARLOTTE — Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo was injured and forced to the locker room in the second quarter of Tuesday night’s NBA play-in game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center, his season ending on that play.
Injury Update: MRI Confirms Lower Back Injury
Post-game MRI results confirmed that Bam Adebayo suffered a lower back injury after the dangerous fall in the second quarter. He was unable to return for the remainder of the play-in game, and his season has officially come to an end.
The Play: LaMelo Ball’s “Stupid” Action
During a scramble for a loose ball, LaMelo Ball, while on the ground, grabbed Adebayo’s left ankle as the Heat center was in the air. The action caused Adebayo to lose his balance completely, crashing hard onto the floor and landing directly on his back.
Most notably: No foul was called on the play. The referees did not whistle the play dead, and because the Hornets subsequently gained possession, the window to review the play was closed.
Spoelstra Fumes: “He Should Have Been Ejected!”
Speaking after the heartbreaking 126-127 overtime loss, an emotional and furious Erik Spoelstra did not hold back.
“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 of Ball’s action. “Obviously, our best player was out.
“He should be penalized for that. I don’t think that belongs in the game, tripping guys, shenanigans. The referee was there. It’s his responsibility to see that. Somebody has got to see that. He should have been thrown out of the game for that. There’s no place in the game for that.”
Udonis Haslem: More Forgiving, But Criticizes the Referees
Heat legend Udonis Haslem, who was working the broadcast at halftime, was more forgiving toward Ball, not believing he is a “dirty player” or intended to hurt Adebayo.
“Obviously, emotions are flying. Everybody is competing at a high level,” Haslem said. “The unfortunate thing is the ref is sitting right there. That’s got to be a call. I don’t know if it’s a flagrant or a regular foul or whatever, that’s up to the referee’s discretion, but I think something has to be called at that point in the game. That’s a huge play to miss.”
The Aftermath: A Season Ends in Controversy
Without Adebayo, the Heat fought valiantly, pushing the game to overtime before ultimately falling 127-126. Ball, who remained in the game after the controversial play, scored the game-winning basket with 4.7 seconds left.
Spoelstra concluded with palpable disappointment: “I’m not making an excuse. The Hornets played great. But it’s a shame. He should be penalized for that.”
The Miami Heat’s season is over. And it ended on a play that, in Spoelstra’s words, “doesn’t belong in the game.”