LaMelo Ball addresses tripping incident

The first game of the NBA postseason, the 9 vs. 10 game in the NBA Play-In tournament, delivered on all fronts. The game was a 127-126 overtime victory for the Charlotte Hornets over the Miami Heat.

Unfortunately, star heat big Bam Adebayo exited the game in the first half after suffering a lower back injury after a nasty fall on the baseline. Video replay appeared to show Hornets star LaMelo Ball yanking Adebayo’s leg, leading to the fall.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra discussed the incident in his post-game presser.

“I didn’t see it [when it happened], but I don’t think it’s cute,” Spoelstra said, according to ESPN. “I don’t think it’s funny. I think it’s a stupid play. It’s a dangerous play. Obviously, our best player was out.

“I’m not making an excuse. The Hornets played great and they made those plays down the stretch. We had our opportunities to win. That’s a shame. You should be penalized for that. I don’t think that belongs in the game — tripping guys, shenanigans.”

“[Official Curtis Blair] was there. It’s his responsibility to see that,” Spoelstra said. “And if it’s not his responsibility, then Zach’s got to see it. Somebody has got to see that, and that he should have been thrown out of the game for that. I don’t know him from anyone. There’s no place in the game for that. Obviously, it took Bam out of the game, but that did not deter us. If there’s anything about our locker room, the guys just got into the competition.”

Ball, who went on to hit the game-winning layup with  4.7 seconds left in overtime, apologized after the win.

“I apologize on that one,” Ball said. “I got hit in the head [on the play] and didn’t really know where I was. But I’m going to check on him, see if he’s OK and everything.”

The Hornets are still another win away from the NBA playoffs. They will face the loser of the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic on Wednesday for the 8th seed.