NBA probes LaMelo Ball trip injuring Bam Adebayo
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- NBA announced it is investigating LaMelo Ball's trip that injured Bam Adebayo in the play‑in game and will interview Ball and both teams.
- LaMelo Ball scored the winning layup with 4.7 seconds left and later apologized twice, saying he didn’t know where he was after being hit in the head.
- Bam Adebayo suffered a lower‑back injury after being tripped early in the second quarter and did not return, playing only 11 minutes.
- Erik Spoelstra said Ball should have been ejected, calling the play "stupid" and "dangerous" and urging a penalty.
- Zach Zarba explained the play could not be reviewed because there was no whistle, closing the review window, and that league operations will decide the foul level soon.
- NBA could upgrade the foul to a flagrant 1 or 2, though sources say a suspension is unlikely.
- Heat video from Jan. 14, 2024 showed Ball appearing to intentionally reach for Adebayo’s leg as he ran up the court.
Why it matters: Heat star Bam Adebayo loses his game‑time contribution after the trip, while the Hornets keep the win; the NBA’s decision on a flagrant foul could add a disciplinary mark to LaMelo Ball without a suspension, shaping future enforcement of dangerous plays.
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