The NBA's post-game ruling has added a controversial footnote to a thrilling play-in tournament finish. The league announced that Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball should have been ejected for a dangerous trip on Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo during Tuesday night's high-stakes game.

This late decision, described as "too little, too late," came after a video review determined the contact was reckless and warranted a Flagrant Foul 2. In real time, however, no foul was called, leaving Ball on the court to become the game's hero.

The incident occurred early in the second quarter when Adebayo suffered a back injury on the play and was lost for the night. The absence of Miami's defensive anchor proved pivotal as the game stretched into overtime.

With the score tied and seconds ticking away in OT, Ball drove to the basket for a game-winning layup, sealing a dramatic 127-126 victory for the Hornets and ending the Heat's season. The NBA's subsequent $35,000 fine for Ball does not affect his eligibility for Charlotte's next crucial game.

The officiating crew explained that because play continued immediately after the incident without a whistle, the window to review the potentially ejection-worthy foul had closed by rule. This procedural limitation left a significant "what-if" hanging over a game that ultimately turned on a single, contested play.