Udonis Haslem has defended LaMelo Ball following the controversial play that led to Bam Adebayo leaving the game with injury.
The incident happened during the Charlotte Hornets’ overtime win over the Miami Heat, when Ball was seen grabbing Adebayo’s leg as both players chased a loose ball, causing the Heat big man to fall awkwardly.
The play was quickly labeled dirty by critics.
Haslem, however, disagreed.
“Obviously, emotions are flying and everybody’s competing at a high level,” he said during halftime coverage.
“But what I will say is LaMelo is not a dirty player. I don’t think he meant to do that intentionally to hurt Bam.”
He described the moment as a split-second reaction rather than deliberate intent.
“In the heat of the moment… sometimes you make split-second decisions. I think he made a split-second decision.”
While defending Ball’s intent, Haslem still questioned the officiating.
“That’s got to be a call… I don’t know if that’s a flagrant or a regular foul… but I think something has to be called.”
“That’s a huge play to miss.”
On the other side, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra criticized the play, calling it a “stupid play” after Adebayo was forced out with a lower back injury.
Ball has since apologized, maintaining that there was no intention to cause harm.
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