LaMelo Ball fined $35,000, $25,000 for profanity
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- LaMelo Ball was fined $35,000 by the NBA for “unnecessary and reckless contact” with Bam Adebayo during the play‑in game.
- LaMelo Ball also received a $25,000 fine for using profane language in a post‑game TV interview.
- Bam Adebayo suffered a lower‑back injury after Ball swiped at his foot early in the second quarter, and he did not return to the contest.
- Erik Spoelstra said Ball should have been ejected, calling the play “stupid” and “dangerous.”
- Zach Zarba explained the incident could not be reviewed because no whistle was blown.
- Hornets won the overtime play‑in game 127‑126, with Ball scoring the winning layup with 4.7 seconds left; the next game is against the Orlando Magic for the No. 8 seed.
- LaMelo Ball apologized twice after the win, saying he didn’t know where he was after being hit in the head.
Why it matters: The fines underscore the NBA’s willingness to punish dangerous on‑court conduct and post‑game profanity, impacting Ball’s earnings and setting a precedent that may deter similar reckless plays, while the Heat lose a key player for the remainder of the game.
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