During Tuesday night’s Hornets win over the Heat in the play-in tournament, LaMelo Ball appeared to hold onto Bam Adebayo’s ankle when falling after a failed rebound. Adebayo landed hard on his tailbone and missed the rest of the game. No foul was called during the play, resulting in wildfire online and amongst the teams.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra argued that Ball should’ve received a flagrant foul and ejection from the play. Upon review from the league after the game, the NBA issued a $35,000 fine and assessed a flagrant 2 on Ball, but did not suspend him for Friday’s play-in game vs. the Magic. Additionally, Ball was fined $25,000 for his use of profane language during his postgame interview after hitting the game-winning shot.
