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NBA Fines LaMelo Ball, Retroactively Rules Flagrant 2 in Bam Adebayo Fall

The decision keeps Ball eligible for Charlotte’s win-or-go-home game against Orlando.

Overview

  • The league ruling Wednesday assessed Ball a retroactive flagrant-2, fined him $35,000 for the play and $25,000 for profanity, and issued no suspension.
  • During Tuesday’s play-in game, Ball grabbed Adebayo’s leg, the Heat star fell and suffered a lower-back contusion, and Charlotte won 127–126 in overtime on Ball’s layup.
  • Because no foul was called, crew chief Zach Zarba said the review window closed, and a real-time flagrant-2 would have meant Ball’s ejection plus two free throws and possession for Miami.
  • Ball will play Friday at Orlando for the No. 8 seed, and at morning shootaround he said he tried to apologize and would speak with Adebayo when he sees him.
  • Heat coach Erik Spoelstra called the move dangerous and ejection-worthy, then said Thursday he did not think further penalty was needed going forward, while Adebayo said he had not yet heard from Ball.