LaMelo Ball will suit up for the Charlotte Hornets in their play-in elimination clash, and despite the controversy surrounding his foul on Bam Adebayo, Erik Spoelstra believes the NBA got the decision right.
The league reviewed the incident, where Ball grabbed Adebayo’s ankle during a fall, and ultimately issued a fine rather than a suspension.
While the play sparked debate, the Heat coach made it clear he didn’t think further punishment was necessary.
“I didn’t think that he needed to be penalized more moving forward. I don’t think that would make sense,” Spoelstra said, via ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk.
Spoelstra didn’t ignore the nature of the play either, acknowledging both sides of the moment.
“I don’t think he’s a dirty player. I just think, in that moment, all things can be true,” Spoelstra said. “It was a dirty play and a dangerous play. It should have been caught at that moment. But it wasn’t and then, you know, you move on.”
The NBA later ruled that Ball made “unnecessary and reckless contact” with Adebayo, handing down a $35,000 fine for the foul, along with an additional $25,000 for profanity during a postgame interview.
From Charlotte’s side, there was clear relief that their star guard would remain available. Head coach Charles Lee backed both Ball’s character and the league’s final call.
“I think the league handed out something that was what they deemed to be fair,” Lee said. “And we’re glad that we still have him going on to the next game. I know he never has the intent to try to hurt anybody out there on the court. But I’m glad everything’s kind of settled now.”
Adebayo, however, noted there has been no contact from Ball since the incident, despite Ball saying he would reach out and apologize.
“It didn’t happen,” Adebayo said. “I want it to be out there. At some point I’ll see him again and we’ll have that conversation.”
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