Lamelo Ball committed a Flagrant 2 foul in last night’s game. As per the NBA rulebook, his act meets the conditions for a Flagrant 2 because his arm motion came after he hit the floor. Bam Adebayo was in a vulnerable position backpedaling out of bounds after the rim action. Ball was on the floor and swung his arm upwards in a sweeping motion.
Lamelo post-game press conference
Ball sounded like a 12 year old summer camper that was in the manager’s office because he got in trouble from hurting another camper. He said “I apologize” immediately when asked about Bam. He said it to appear contrite but it appeared rehearsed.
Then, a reporter asks him if he ever got checked for a concussion after the play. Ball says the quiet part out loud where he admits that he had no idea what a concussion is and questioned if he’s ever had a concussion. The NBA has a protocol where a player would be immediately removed from a game if he is suspected to have a concussion.
If Ball truly hit his head and “didn’t know where he was,” he would’ve been removed from the game and checked by the doctors’. Ball would’ve given a detailed response of how he was checked and when he left the game. Ball could’ve also said “he waved off the doctor,” but he didn’t. Because Ball was exaggerating and possibly falsifying the account.
NBA reviewing the Ball-Adebayo play
As per NBA insider Chris Haynes, the NBA is reviewing the play to determine if Ball will play on Friday in the 8th seed game. Charlotte Observer writer Roderick Boone wondered why the play wasn’t reviewed and he quoted Zach Zarba:
“The play wasn’t whistled in real time,” crew chief Zach Zarba said when asked about the play by The Charlotte Observer for a pool report. “Play continued with a fast break. 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 timeout. So, by rule, our window to review that play then is closed.”
Erik Spoelstra is correct and it counters the account of Zach Zarba (which makes the injury on Adebayo seem matter of fact.) Because of Adebayo’s injury, there should be a review of the play immediately. If the protocol holds as per Zach Zarba, then it should be changed.
Lamelo Ball has tripped Bam Adebayo previously. In this post from @Wholikessports, in a 2024 game, Ball visibly goes after Bam’s legs as the possession for Charlotte ends and the teams change court. Ball should be fined and suspended. Charlotte did play well enough to win yesterday but certainly the outcome would be different if Bam didn’t get injured.
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