The injury occurred when Adebayo’s momentum carried him backward while pursuing a rebound, with his lower leg making contact with Hornets guard LaMelo Ball and causing him to fall hard on his back. He exited after attempting to continue, leaving the Heat short-handed down the stretch.
Miami fought without its star and pushed Charlotte to overtime, but the Hornets finished the contest strong to secure the win. The result ends the Heat’s season, capping a year in which they finished 43-39 and remained in the play-in for a fourth consecutive year.
Charlotte advances to a second play-in game on Friday against the loser of the later 76ers–Magic matchup, while Miami shifts its focus to Adebayo’s injury and awaits an official update on his condition.
Medical analysis of the play noted the risk to the sacral region, with some specialists suggesting the fall could produce a sacral contusion or, in a more severe scenario, a sacrum fracture. Experts emphasized the sensitivity of the area and the potential implications for Adebayo’s short- or long-term availability.
Adebayo logged 11 minutes and six points on 3-for-3 shooting in this game, adding to a season in which he averaged over 20 points per game for the second time in his career. As the Heat assess the injury, the focus remains on his health and the potential impact on the team’s plans in the weeks ahead.
