LaMelo Ball punches team mascot Hugo after Hornets knock out Heat
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- LaMelo Ball led the Charlotte Hornets to a thrilling 127-126 play-in tournament victory over the Miami Heat with a game-winning layup in the final seconds, sparking a wild celebration including playful punches to the team's mascot, Hugo.
- Ball's performance was marked by controversy after an apparent swipe at Miami's Bam Adebayo caused the Heat center to leave the game with a back injury; Miami coach Erik Spoelstra believed Ball should have been ejected.
- The Hornets secured their first home postseason win in a decade and will face the loser of the Orlando-Philadelphia game in their next play-in matchup on Friday.
- Despite some late-game mistakes by Ball that allowed Miami to briefly take the lead in overtime, Charlotte's defense and execution ultimately secured the victory.
- Ball apologized for the incident with Adebayo, explaining he was disoriented after being hit in the head earlier in the game, and praised the enthusiastic home crowd for their support.
