Game officials later clarified why the disputed play involving LaMelo Ball and Bam Adebayo was not reviewed during the matchup between the Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets.
Referee Zach Zarba explained to a pool reporter that the sequence continued without a whistle, which prevented officials from going back to examine it.
“The play wasn’t whistled in real time. Play continued with a fast break,” he said. “And because play wasn’t stopped immediately, and there was no whistle on the play, the window to review the play was closed.
“Play was stopped, after a change of possession, and then a time out. So, by rule, our window to review that play then is closed.”
Zarba added that while no in-game action was taken, the league office could still evaluate the situation afterward and potentially impose discipline.
Following the game, Ball addressed the incident and expressed regret, according to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk.
He explained that he had been struck in the head during the sequence and was disoriented at the time. Ball also said he intends to reach out to Adebayo to discuss what happened.
Spoelstra Fumes Over Ball's Grab That Injured Adebayo https://t.co/LEfbiqvnRU pic.twitter.com/HD6XiZfPpN
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 15, 2026
