LaMelo Ball fined $60k but cleared to play in crucial matchup against Orlando

LaMelo Ball has been fined a total of sixty thousand dollars but remained eligible for Charlotte’s decisive Play‑In game against Orlando. The NBA announced that the Hornets guard received a flagrant foul two and a thirty‑five‑thousand‑dollar fine for what the league described as “unnecessary and reckless contact” on Miami center Bam Adebayo during Tuesday’s Play‑In clash.

Ball was also issued a twenty‑five‑thousand‑dollar penalty for using vulgar language in a live post‑game television interview. The incident occurred in the first half when Ball’s shot was blocked by Simone Fontecchio. After falling to the floor, he grabbed Adebayo’s foot, causing the Heat big man to tumble as Fontecchio secured the rebound. Had officials assessed a flagrant two in real time, Ball would have been ejected, but no call was made. He later delivered a decisive overtime layup that eliminated Miami and kept Charlotte’s postseason hopes alive.