Amidst LaMelo Ball’s heroics in the Charlotte Hornets’ dramatic overtime win on Tuesday, he drew plenty of flak for tripping Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo, who ended up missing the rest of the play-in game at Spectrum Center.
After the Hornets pulled off the 127-126 victory, fans wondered whether Ball would incur a suspension for his actions towards Adebayo. A day later, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Ball would not be suspended; instead, he has been slapped with two fines totalling $60,000.
LaMelo Ball’s action of tripping Bam Adebayo has been upgraded to a flagrant foul and sanctioned with a $35,000 fine. In addition, he was fined $25,000 for “cursing postgame.”
In a game that went down the wire, the Heat could have certainly used Adebayo to clean up the glass, pose another threat in the interior, and make decisions with veteran know-how. To Miami’s credit, they nearly had the Hornets beaten on two separate occasions.
Charlotte, however, had other ideas. With the Hornets down 114-111 towards the end of the fourth quarter, Coby White hit an improbable three to force overtime. Then, in overtime, Tyler Herro was fouled on a three-point attempt and made a trifecta of free throws to give the Heat a one-point lead. That was followed by Ball driving to the basket decelerating, and getting the layup to go.
“That Young Man Is a Clown”: Nick Wright Blasts LaMelo Ball for Actions Towards Bam Adebayo
Though the NBA has opted not to suspend LaMelo Ball, the Hornets guard has not escaped the wrath of public opinion. On Wednesday’s “First Things First,” Fox Sports’ Nick Wright slammed Ball for his actions towards Adebayo.
“That young man is a clown, and has been a clown forever, and will never not be a clown.”
Indeed, Ball has cultivated a defiant personality on and off the court. However, no matter what his critics say, the Hornets’ postseason hopes remain alive and they are set to take on the Orlando Magic for the final playoff spot.
