The Miami Heat lost Bam Adebayo less than 12 minutes into their NBA Play-In matchup against the Charlotte Hornets.
After taking a hard fall on his back, with a contribution from LaMelo Ball committing what the NBA described as unnecessary and reckless contact, Adebayo was ruled out for the entire second half. The Heat put up a good fight as the game went into overtime.
But in the end, Charlotte won. The Heat are now eliminated from NBA Playoff contention.
Following the game, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra sounded off on the situation. He felt that the play should’ve been reviewed, which would’ve led to a flagrant 2 foul call for Ball. However, the rules prevented a review. Ball stayed in the game, but would later get assessed a flagrant 2, along with a fine.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 21: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat looks on during the game between the Miami Heat and the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 21, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
During his exit press conference, Bam Adebayo stated that he didn’t have a conversation with Ball, who claimed he wanted to reach out and apologize.
“It didn’t happen,” Adebayo told reporters. “By that time, I was in the shower trying to figure out what I was going to do next. You know, just obviously, everything happened all at once. And you know, I wanted to be out there. So, you know, at some point I’ll see him again. We’ll have that conversation and move on.”
LaMelo Ball Clears The Air
GettyCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 09: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts during the first half of a basketball game against the Detroit Pistons at Spectrum Center on February 09, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
Before Friday’s Hornets-Magic battle, LaMelo Ball addressed the situation once again.
While he didn’t apologize to Adebayo personally, Ball confirms that it wasn’t due to a lack of trying.
“I tried to apologize and everything and just look for Bam,” Ball told reporters on Friday morning. “Mainly make sure he’s okay. We don’t want nobody hurt in this league ever. So, as long as he’s good it’s helping my mind a little, you know what I’m saying?”
Ball claims that he attempted to link with Adebayo after the game.
“Whenever I see him, I’ll try to talk to him,” Ball added.
“After the game, I tried to talk to him. I was waiting by his locker and everything—his locker room—and just talked to his security guard waiting for him. He said he was in the shower and everything. It’s a tough game. You lose, you don’t like talking to people. So, I just gave him his space. He said he’ll get with me.”
While the situation was unfortunate, it seems both sides are putting it behind them. Adebayo confirmed he wasn’t dealing with anything too concerning. Meanwhile, Ball landed his punishment from the league. Now, he’s focused on trying to lead the Hornets to the playoffs.