The Hornets vs. Heat play-in game wasnt short of controversy, after LaMelo Ball caused a nasty injury for Bam Adebayo, who wasnt able to return to the game.Miami were without their best player for pretty much three whole quarters, after Bam went down early in the second.He was falling after trying to keep the ball inbound and LaMelo grabbed his foot, which seemed to cause him to fall hard and land on his tailbone / back.Bam Adebayo has gone to the locker room after a nasty fall Was this a dirty play by LaMelo? (via NBA) pic.twitter.com/f5f9ZoKpb0 Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) April 15, 2026There was no action taken by the referees over the play and the Heat later ruled him out of the game with a lower back injury.The Hornets went on to win the game in crazy fashion, with an insane play by none other than LaMelo himself.LaMelo Ball FOR THE WIN OMG (via NBA) pic.twitter.com/dYhv1HQcfw Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) April 15, 2026LaMelo apologized for his actions in his postgame press conference.I apologize on that one, he said. I got hit on the head, didnt really know where I was. But Im going to check on him and see if hes going to be OK.After the game, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra expressed frustration with the lack of consequences for Balls dirty play.I dont think its cute. I dont think its funny, Spoelstra said. I think its a stupid play. Its a dangerous play. Obviously our best player was out. Im not making an excuse. The Hornets played great. They made those plays down the stretch. We had our opportunities down the stretch. Thats a shame. He shouldve been penalized for that. Tripping guys, shenanigans. [Referre] Curtis [Blair] was there, it was his responsibility to see that, and if its not his responsibility, [crew chief] Zach [Zarba]s got to see that. Somebody has got to see that. He shouldve been thrown out of the game for that.Tyler Herros also shared his thoughts on Bams injury.Related Article: Jake LaRavia Caps Perfect 82-Game Season With LakersIt was crazy. Ive played with Bam for a long time and I usually never really see him limp like that, hes usually a guy that stays in, that tells you how much pain hes in. He can barely walk to the back and I saw the video he fell really hardI mean we all know it was not the right play.This marks the first time in six seasons Miami wont have made the playoffs.READ MORE: Nikes Bronny James B9 Logo Faces Trademark Setback
