NBA Fines LaMelo Ball $60,000 for Flagrant Foul and Profanity After Hornets' Overtime Win Over Heat

LaMelo Ball was fined $35,000 by the NBA for a Flagrant 2 foul on Bam Adebayo during the Hornets' 127-126 overtime win against the Heat on April 14, 2026. The incident occurred in the second quarter when Ball, after falling to the floor, swiped at Adebayo's leg, causing him to fall hard to the court. Adebayo left the game with a lower back issue and did not return.

The play was not initially called a foul during the game, but the NBA later reviewed the incident and determined that Ball made unnecessary and reckless contact with Adebayo, creating a significant injury risk. In addition to the fine for the foul, Ball was also fined $25,000 for using profane language during a live TV interview after the game.

He finished the game with 30 points and scored the game-winning layup with just seconds left on the clock.

' Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra commented on the incident, saying, 'I didn’t see it, but I don’t think it’s cute. Obviously, our best player was out. The Hornets played great and they made those plays down the stretch.