Heat's Erik Spoelstra Blasts ‘Dangerous' Hornets Play on Bam Adebayo

The Miami Heat saw their hopes of reaching the NBA Playoffs end disappointingly despite a valiant effort by their remaining players in a play-in game against Charlotte.

With the Hornets hosting, Buzz City was rocking and fully behind their squad. That included letting the referees hear it when they disagreed with calls during the crucial elimination game.

However, a play that many felt was unnecessary and flagrant occurred early in the second quarter when LaMelo Ball seemingly swiped Bam Adebayo’s leg, causing Miami’s big man to fall on his back. Despite complaints from Adebayo and his coach, Erik Spoelstra, there was no foul called on that play, and the referees couldn’t review it because of a change of possession.

Adebayo exited the game soon after it unfolded and headed to the locker room for further evaluation. He remained out for the remainder of the game with a lower back injury.

Read more:Hornets' LaMelo Ball Receives Strong Criticism for Bam Adebayo Injury

The Heat went on to lose 127-126. Erik Spoelstra wasn’t happy about his star player leaving the game after Ball’s leg-swipe, and addressed it during his postgame remarks.

“I didn’t see it, but 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. Obviously, our best player is out,” he told reporters.

“I’m not making any excuses. The Hornets played great, and they made those plays down the stretch. We had our opportunities to win. That’s a shame. He should be penalized for that,” Spoelstra said of Ball’s play in the second quarter.

“I don’t think that belongs in the game. You know, tripping guys,” he said, adding, “Curtis was there. It’s his responsibility to see that, and if it’s not his responsibility, then Zach’s gotta see it.”

Miami’s head coach suggested that Ball should’ve been tossed from the game after it happened, saying, “There’s no place in the game for that.”

One would think that Adebayo’s absence would’ve ended the Heat’s game right there, but Miami continued to play hard, even taking over the lead in the fourth quarter. However, Charlotte battled back, and a Coby White three-pointer near the end of regulation sent the game to overtime.

The Heat continued into the extra session without Adebayo, which was a serious blow for Miami as they attempted to advance to another play-in game. Despite Tylerr Herro’s heroics when he was fouled on a three and hit three free throws to give his team a one-point lead, Ball came back with a driving layup.

With that, Charlotte went up a point and then successfully blocked Miami’s layup attempt at the buzzer on the other end to win the game.

They’ll next face the loser of the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic play-in game for a chance to get the final seed for the playoffs.

Unfortunately, Miami’s season is officially over, and one has to believe they’d have potentially won this game in Charlotte with their star player still on the court.

Read more:Bam Adebayo Exits Play-in Game With Injury After LaMelo Ball Leg Swipe

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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 8:40 PM.