The Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat kicked off the play-in tournament on Tuesday night in a thrilling showdown that went to overtime, with Charlotte escaping with a 127–126 victory following a game-winning layup from LaMelo Ball.
Ball finished with 30 points, despite shooting just 2-for-16 from beyond the arc. He also added 10 assists and five rebounds to lead Charlotte. Miles Bridges contributed 28 points, while Brandon Miller added 23 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Off the bench, Coby White provided a spark, hitting the game-tying three-pointer to force overtime and scoring 11 consecutive points late in the third quarter.
However, the most controversial moment of the game came in the first half. After falling to the floor, Ball grabbed the ankle of Bam Adebayo as the Heat star attempted to save the ball following a rebound. The play resulted Adebayo sustaining a back injury that forced him to leave the game and not return.
Following the game, Erik Spoelstra made it clear he believed LaMelo Ball should have been ejected for the play, while also placing blame on the officials for missing it.
“I don’t think it’s cute. I don’t think it’s funny,” Spoelstra said. “I think it’s a stupid play. It’s a dangerous play. I don’t think that belongs in the game — tripping guys.”
Ball, however, addressed the incident during his postgame press conference and issued an apology to Bam Adebayo, acknowledging how dangerous the play could have been.
“I apologize on that one,” Ball said. “I got hit in the head, didn’t really know where I was, but I’m going to check on him and see if he’s okay and everything,” Ball said. “I haven’t even seen it — just playing basketball.”
The Hornets will now face the loser of Wednesday’s No. 7 vs. No. 8 play-in matchup between the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers.
As for Ball, his status for that game could be in doubt, as the league is reviewing the play involving Adebayo. A decision is expected before Friday’s game, according to Chris Haynes.