LaMelo Ball, guard for theCharlotte Hornets, apologized after a play that causedMiami Heat captain Bam Adebayoto lose his balance and fall during the second quarter.
"I apologize on that one," Ball told reporters after the game. "I got hit in the head and didn’t really know where I was, but I’m going to check in on him to see if he’s OK and everything."
Adebayo was attempting to save a ball from going out of bounds when Ball took his foot out from underneath him. Adebayo fell, landed on his tailbone and remained down for about a minute before walking to the locker room under his own power, albeit carefully.
Adebayo was initially deemed questionable to return with a lower back injury,according to the Heat, but did not return to the court when the second half started. He was eventually officially ruled out before the third quarter was complete.
Who won the Charlotte Hornets-Miami Heatgame last night?
The Miami Heat lost in overtime,127-126, to the Charlotte Hornets. Their season is over.
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Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra spoke to reporters about Adebayo’s injury
“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,” Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters after the game. “It’s a dangerous play, obviously, our best player was out.
"I’m not making any excuse: the Hornets played great. They made those plays down the stretch. We had our opportunities to win. That’s a shame, to be penalized for that. I don’t think that belongs in the game, tripping guys and shenanigans.”
Spoelstra added that he felt an official should’ve made a call to eject LaMelo Ball.
“Somebody has got to see that, and he should’ve been thrown out of the game for that,” Spoelstra said.
Sarah Perkel is a South Florida Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network's Florida Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter,Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:LaMelo Ball apologized after play that injured Bam Adebayo in Heat game