Heat coach rants on LaMelo Ball after Bam Adebayo injury: 'It's a stupid play'

The LaMelo Ball incident involving Bam Adebayo in the Charlotte Hornets' play-in win over the Miami Heat raised a lot of questions. Did the Hornets guard pull down the 83-point scorer down on purpose? Or was it an accident?

We know where Heat coach Erik Spoelstra lands. In a post-game rant on Tuesday night, he weighed in after Adebayo left with a back injury and didn't return: "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," he said.

"That's a shame," he added, "He should be penalized for that. I don't think that belongs in the game, tripping guys, shenanigans.“

"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…I don't think that belongs in the game, tripping guys.“

— Erik Spoelstra on LaMelo’s play on Bam.

(h/t @ohnohedidnt24)

pic.twitter.com/MIvuaVuS3g— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 15, 2026

LaMelo Ball apologizes to Bam Adebayo for the tripping incident

He claimed he got hit in the head and that he'd check in on Adebayo:

"I apologize on that one. I got hit in the head, didn't really know where I was, but I'mma check on him and see if he's okay and everything."

—LaMelo Ball on the play that led to Bam Adebayo leaving the game. pic.twitter.com/79VIG5kuMK— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 15, 2026

"I apologize on that one. I mean, I got hit in the head, didn't really know where I was, but I'm gonna check on him and see if he's OK and everything."

This article originally appeared on For The Win: LaMelo Ball gets Erik Spoelstra rant after Bam Adebayo injury