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By Cole Sullivan
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LaMelo Ball scored a game-high 30 points during Tuesday night’s play-in matchup against the Miami Heat, which the Charlotte Hornets won 127–126 on a game-winning layup from Ball in overtime.
However, much of the postgame conversation centered around controversy involving the Hornets guard. It stemmed from a play in the first half that many deemed “dirty,” which left Heat forward Bam Adebayo injured.
While Ball was on the floor and Adebayo was trying to save the ball from going out of bounds, Ball grabbed Adebayo’s ankle. That caused Adebayo to fall onto his back — the injury that ultimately forced him out of the game, as he did not return.
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Ball apologized after the game, saying, “I apologize on that one. I got hit in the head, didn’t really know where I was, but I’m going to check on him and make sure he’s okay.”
Still, that didn’t stop the NBA from reviewing the play, and it didn’t take long for a ruling ahead of Charlotte’s final play-in game Friday night.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Ball was fined $35,000 for the play, which was upgraded to a flagrant foul. He was also fined an additional $25,000 for swearing during his postgame interview. However, Ball avoided a suspension — something some believed he deserved.
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Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra believed the play warranted an ejection.
“I don’t think it’s cute," Spoelstra said. I don’t think it’s funny. I think it’s a stupid play. It’s a dangerous play… I don’t think that belongs in the game — tripping guys.”
Ultimately, the Heat’s season is now over, while the Hornets will face the Orlando Magic on Friday night with a chance to claim the No. 8 seed and take on the Detroit Pistons in the first round.
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