The action in question came with 11:13 left in the second quarter of Charlotte’s 127-126 overtime win over the Miami Heat on April 14, when Ball’s contact with Bam Adebayo was ruled unnecessary and reckless, creating a significant injury risk. After review, the league elevated the foul to Flagrant Foul 2 and imposed a financial penalty, but did not issue a game suspension.
Ball remains the Hornets’ offensive centerpiece entering Friday’s must-win game. He averaged 20.1 points, 7.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds during the 2025-26 regular season and played a crucial role in Charlotte advancing to the final East play-in with his all-around production.
In Charlotte’s overtime win over Miami, Ball was outstanding, finishing with 30 points, 10 assists and 5 rebounds while guiding the Hornets through a high-stakes contest. His ability to create looks and make plays in late-game situations is a central reason the franchise relies on him to drive offense.
The NBA’s decision shows that a Flagrant Foul 2 does not automatically entail a suspension, with the league’s release focused on the fine and the flagrant assessment rather than a ban. For the Hornets, Ball’s availability for the game against Orlando is a critical edge as they seek to keep their season alive.
