Ball went to the ground after a missed basket attempt and appeared to reach for Adebayo’s ankle. Adebayo collapsed in pain and eventually walked to the locker room, while no foul was called on the play. Miami coach Erik Spoelstra criticized the action as dangerous and deserving of a penalty, saying it should have drawn an ejection.
The league’s decision is expected before Charlotte’s final play-in bout on Friday, with post-game reviews routinely used to assess incidents officials did not call on the floor. The review process allows the NBA to act retroactively if it determines flagrant or rule violations occurred.
Most likely, the NBA would upgrade the on-court action from Flagrant 1 to Flagrant 2 and impose a fine, per the NBA rulebook. Flagrant 2 involves unnecessary and excessive contact, and it can be assessed after the game if referees miss the call. A minimum $2,000 fine applies, though the penalty could be higher given Adebayo’s injury and the high-stakes context.
A one-game suspension remains a potential consequence, especially if the league views the act as deliberate and part of a pattern rather than an isolated incident. Historical context—such as prior suspensions for repeated unsportsmanlike acts—adds to the scrutiny, and circulating footage of a similar trip could influence the decision.
Regardless of the outcome, the decision will have immediate implications for the Hornets as they head into a do-or-die game and for how the league handles on-court actions that go unpenalized in real time but draw scrutiny afterward. The NBA’s ruling will be watched closely by teams and fans alike.
