NBA announces LaMelo Ball’s punishment for dirty play on Bam Adebayo
LaMelo Ball is not quite getting off scot-free after his takedown of Bam Adebayo on Tuesday night.
The NBA announced on Wednesday that they are fining the Charlotte Hornets star Ball a sum of $35,000 for his dirty trip of the Miami Heat counterpart Adebayo during Tuesday’s 9/10 Eastern Conference play-in tournament game. Additionally, Ball is retroactively being given a flagrant 1 foul for the incident.
On top of that, the NBA is also fining Ball a separate sum of $25,000. In their release, the league stated that Ball used profane language during a live television interview after the game.
The former All-Star Ball grabbed at Adebayo’s ankle during a sequence in the second quarter of Tuesday’s game at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C. (see the video here). Adebayo landed hard on his tailbone as a result and ended up missing the remainder of the game as the Hornets squeaked out a narrow 127-126 win over the Heat in overtime.
No whistle was blown at the time however, and the officials later stated the imminent change of possession on the play meant that the sequence was not reviewable in real time for a possible flagrant. But after a postgame review, Ball is now being punished by the NBA with a fine and an upgrade to a flagrant 1 for the takedown of Adebayo.
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said after the game that Ball should have been ejected for the “stupid” play. While the retroactive punishment comes as too little, too late for Miami now that their season is over, it could still matter for Ball and the Hornets if they make a playoff run this season due to the accrual of flagrant foul points.
VJ Edgecombe taunts Jalen Suggs during play-in game
VJ Edgecombe was not looking the part of a rookie during Wednesday’s play-in game.
Edgecombe and the Philadelphia 76ers battled Jalen Suggs and the Orlando Magic as part of the Eastern Conference’s 7/8 play-in game on Wednesday. In the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pa., the 76ers guard Edgecombe got an opportunity in transition off a steal by teammate Paul George.
Edgecombe drove all the way to the basket and scored the layup over the contest by the Magic guard Suggs. After making the shot, Edgecombe got up into Suggs’ face to taunt him, knocking Suggs off-balance in the process. That then caused the two teams to exchange some hostilities heading into an Orlando timeout.
VJ Edgecombe gets the steal and goes right at Suggs after the transition bucket, causing a bit of ruckus amongst the two teams pic.twitter.com/4ZwdxWnOwY
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) April 16, 2026
Take a look at another angle of Edgecombe taunting Suggs.
Tony Brothers reaction to VJ Edgecombe getting on Jalen Suggs face pic.twitter.com/ZiEfCQXG9Q
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) April 16, 2026
Edgecombe would ultimately receive a technical foul for the taunt of Suggs. That led to one free throw being awarded to the Magic, which Suggs then made.
The 20-year-old Edgecombe enjoyed a standout rookie campaign for the 45-37 Sixers, averaging 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. He proved to be fearless from the very start of his NBA career and continued to show out during Wednesday’s play-in game as well.
Kawhi Leonard is being linked to 1 notable new team
Kawhi Leonard might be going from one beachfront state to another.
The Miami Heat could potentially pursue the LA Clippers star Leonard this offseason, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported on Wednesday. Siegel notes that the Heat are expected to turn their attention to Leonard if they are unsuccessful in trading for long-rumored target Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Leonard, 34, enjoyed a banner regular season with the Clippers. He averaged a career-high 27.9 points to go along with 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game en route to earning his sixth career NBA All-Star selection. Leonard also appeared in exactly 65 games for the Clippers, making him eligible for this year’s NBA awards.
As it currently stands, Leonard is under contract for just one more season at $50.3 million. However, there is the possibility that Leonard’s contract with the Clippers gets voided pursuant to the Aspiration scandal, which would immediately make him available to sign with any NBA team.
The Heat went 43-39 this season but just suffered a disappointing loss in this year’s NBA play-in tournament, eliminating them from playoff contention. Now it appears that they may be going star-hunting this summer.
Leonard has been linked to Miami in the past, and the Heat also have his former Clippers and Toronto Raptors teammate Norman Powell on the roster. Though age will be a primary concern for Leonard as he turns 35 in June, he may be the Plan B that Miami has in mind if they cannot land Antetokounmpo in a trade this offseason.
Dodgers pull an unusual move with Shohei Ohtani for his start
Shohei Ohtani will only be a one-way player for Wednesday’s game.
The Los Angeles Dodgers revealed hours before their matchup with the New York Mets on Wednesday that Ohtani would be their starting pitcher that night … but nothing more. Ohtani will not be serving as the designated hitter for the game at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif.
Instead, Dodgers teammate Dalton Rushing will step in as the team’s DH on Wednesday. Here is the team’s full lineup card for the game.
The Dodgers are using Shohei Ohtani strictly as the starting pitcher tonight and not as the DH pic.twitter.com/O8fwRtu8oo
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) April 15, 2026
Ohtani, 31, has long made a name for himself as a premier player with both the ball and the bat. This also marks the first time in Ohtani’s Dodgers career that he has opened a season completely healthy as a pitcher.
Through his first two starts on the mound this season, the four-time MVP Ohtani has gone 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA, a 0.75 WHIP, and eight strikeouts through 12 total innings pitched. At the plate meanwhile, Ohtani is batting .254 with five home runs and 10 RBIs through 17 games.
Alden Gonzalez of ESPN reports that the decision by the Dodgers was influenced by the fact that Ohtani took a 94-mph pitch to his upper back (near his right shoulder) during Monday’s game against the Mets. Now Ohtani is slated to pitch in a game but not also hit for the first time in five years.
On top of that, the Dodgers have an off day on Thursday before facing the Colorado Rockies on the road on Friday to begin a four-game set. Thus (at least for Wednesday’s contest), Ohtani won’t have to worry about making the same funny mistake he had during a previous start on the mound.
Skip Bayless makes a very controversial claim about Joel Embiid
Skip Bayless is sparking controversy this week with his assertion about Joel Embiid.
The Philadelphia 76ers star center Embiid was inactive for Wednesday’s Eastern Conference 7/8 play-in game against the Orlando Magic. Embiid had a recent bout with appendicitis that continues to keep him sidelined.
Earlier in the day Wednesday though, Bayless made a bombshell claim about Embiid. Appearing on Gilbert Arenas’ “Gil’s Arena” show, Bayless said that Embiid was actually cleared to play in Wednesday’s game but chose not to.
“Embiid is actually cleared to play but chose not to play,” said Bayless. “[I was told] that it’s appendicitis but it’s fine and went well. These days they can just go in quickly and pretty simply. And he could play if he chose to. So, now that’s like turmoil, locker room kind of turmoil [in Philadelphia].”
Skip Bayless says he has a source in Philadelphia that said Joel Embiid is cleared to play, but chosen not to:
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) April 15, 2026
“That’s what I was told. That it’s appendicitis but it’s fine and went well these days they can just go quickly and pretty simply. And he could play if he chose to. So,… pic.twitter.com/tG9wWlJ8g8
Bayless’ claim is extremely far-fetched given the medical realities of appendicitis. Embiid underwent an emergency appendectomy less than a week ago and is thus still well within the general 1-to-3-week recovery timetable for such a procedure (especially when it comes to returning to high-level basketball).
On top of that, Embiid’s trainer Drew Hanlen proceeded to rip Bayless over the “100% false” claim about Embiid.
“To set the record straight, this is 100% false,” Hanlen posted on X. “Nothing worse than when media members make up s–t for clicks & views then hide behind unnamed ‘sources’” (profanity edited by LBS).
Embiid obviously does not have the best reputation when it comes to health and even had his former head coach recently drop a brutal comment about Embiid’s continued unavailability. But for Bayless to claim that Embiid was somehow cleared for full-speed game action just six days after an emergency appendectomy is dubious at best.
Mel Kiper Jr. doubles down on his Shedeur Sanders stance
ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. is still riding with Shedeur Sanders.
Dan Orlovsky, another ESPN analyst, has established himself as a firm believer in Alabama’s Ty Simpson during the pre-draft process, and it has drawn comparisons to Kiper’s adamant belief in Sanders last year. Kiper weighed in on that Wednesday by saying Orlovsky is entitled to his opinion and should stick to it, even if the majority of the NFL disagrees.
“You don’t need to get backed up by somebody in the league that maybe agrees, or anybody in the media, or anybody that’s an analyst, because Dan Orlovsky had that opinion,” Kiper said. “I had that same feeling about Shedeur Sanders last year. I still believe strongly in Shedeur and what he can do in Cleveland.”
"I had the same feeling about Shedeur Sanders last year. I still believe strongly in Shedeur and what he can do in Cleveland. So hold to it. Don't let anybody talk you out of it" – Mel Kiper Jr. on Dan Orlovsky's affinity for Ty Simpson pic.twitter.com/RQhWp9zTFU
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 15, 2026
Kiper’s belief in Sanders became the stuff of legend last year. When the quarterback dropped to the fifth round of the draft, Kiper had an on-air meltdown. It was later suggested that Kiper probably should have done more homework to back up his belief, but he still has not moved off it.
Sanders has not exactly validated Kiper’s belief, though he hasn’t made the analyst look terrible, either. He threw for seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, though he did make the Pro Bowl. On the other hand, it does sound like he will have to re-earn his starting job.
Former Alabama player allegedly wore wigs to impersonate NFL players in fraud case
A former Alabama Crimson Tide player allegedly dressed up in wigs and wore makeup to impersonate multiple NFL players as part of a scheme to obtain fraudulent loans.
Luther Davis, who played for Alabama from 2007-2010, is expected to plead guilty in a $20 million fraud case, via Daniel Kaplan of The Guardian. Davis and an accomplice allegedly opened bank accounts linked to fake companies purportedly established by the NFL player they were impersonating. Davis then obtained fake IDs, financial statements, and other personal documents in the names of the players. Davis then appeared on virtual loan closings in disguise, often wearing wigs to impersonate the player.
While Davis obtained 13 loans, only three victims were identified. He allegedly obtained a $4.025 million loan in the name of Browns tight end David Njoku, a $4.35 million loan in the name of Packers defensive back Xavier McKinney, and a $3.3 million loan in the name of Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. None of the players are connected to the scheme and simply had their identities stolen.
Davis has been charged with aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The wire fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Davis was part of Nick Saban’s first Alabama recruiting class and played in all 14 games of the team’s 2009 championship season. After his college career ended, he was accused of providing money and benefits to college football players on behalf of agents, a violation of NCAA rules.
A’ja Wilson signs largest contract in WNBA history
A’Ja Wilson has officially reset the market in the WNBA.
The four-time MVP signed a new three-year contract to return to the Las Vegas Aces, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. The supermax deal is worth $5 million, and is fully guaranteed.
By comparison, Wilson made $200,000 in 2025.
A'ja Wilson, the WNBA's first ever four-time MVP, is signing a three-year, $5 million supermax contract to return to the Las Vegas Aces, sources tell me and @Andraya_Carter. The deal, which is the largest in WNBA history to date and fully guaranteed, was negotiated by Jade-Li… pic.twitter.com/xSJhkHOvId
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 15, 2026
An average salary of roughly $1.6 million may not seem like much in the grand schemes of athlete salaries, but it is a huge step forward for WNBA players. It was only a few days ago that the Aces also handed out the first million-dollar contract in league history. The increase in salaries is thanks to the league’s new CBA, which significantly boosts player earnings.
Wilson has certainly earned it. The 29-year-old has won MVP honors in back-to-back seasons and was named Defensive Player of the Year in three of the last four years. She averaged 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game last season en route to her third WNBA title of her career.
Brian Kelly strongly defends his LSU tenure
Brian Kelly does not think he did a poor job at LSU despite his firing last season.
Kelly defended his tenure in a new interview with John Brice of USA Today. While he conceded he “didn’t win enough games,” he questioned whether that was a fair criticism.
“I guess you do have to start with what is winning enough games?” Kelly said. “We were 34-14, 22-3 at home when I was fired. We had two 10-win seasons, won an SEC (West Division) championship, had the No. 1 offense in college football, a Heisman Trophy winner. When you look at what is winning and what keeps you employed, other people make those decisions. But it starts with what is defined as winning, and unfortunately it wasn’t defined as enough winning leading into being fired.”
Kelly added that he does hope to coach again and still spends a few hours a day watching film in his home office.
While the numbers Kelly cites are correct, they are also a bit cherrypicked. The Tigers were only 19-10 in SEC play under Kelly and were off to a 2-3 start in 2025 prior to his firing. LSU never lost fewer than three games under Kelly and never even made the College Football Playoff, which had to be the minimum expectation.
Kelly’s exit from LSU was far from amicable, and he essentially accused the school of sabotaging him after his firing. It sounds like expectations for him, at least in his mind, were simply too high.
Troy Aikman has bizarre NFL Draft involvement with Dolphins
Troy Aikman will apparently be at least somewhat involved in the Miami Dolphins’ NFL Draft process.
Aikman has been advising the Dolphins on football matters since the end of the season, raising questions about his potential involvement in the team’s NFL Draft process. On Wednesday, GM Jon-Eric Sullivan suggested Aikman will not be involved — sort of.
“He will not be consulted for picks. He may be in the draft room,” Sullivan said.
Will Troy Aikman have a role in the Dolphins draft?
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) April 15, 2026
GM Jon-Eric Sullivan:
"He will not be consulted for picks. He may be in the draft room. I can't say enough good things about Troy."
If Aikman will not be consulted on picks, why bother having him in the draft room? Perhaps the Dolphins would want his thoughts on potential trades, but the process is a little bit confusing.
Aikman has been open about his work with Miami despite his main role as an ESPN analyst. He has said the Dolphins likely did want to take advantage of his many connections around the league, but that he does not see his role as a conflict of interest.
Aikman had a hand in the hiring of both Sullivan and new head coach Jeff Hafley.
Astros pitcher blames ‘American lifestyle’ for his arm injury
Houston Astros pitcher Tatsuya Imai is on the injured list after just three starts, and the Japanese right-hander thinks moving to America has something to do with it.
Imai recorded just one out in his last start on Friday and was placed on the injured list with right arm fatigue. Through his interpreter, Shio Enomoto, Imai blamed trouble acclimating to his new lifestyle as a key reason for the injury.
“He’s not able to adjust to the American lifestyle,” Enomoto said, via Chandler Rome of The Athletic. “Baseball and outside of baseball. That’s probably the reason (for his arm fatigue).
“For example, the travel is different from Japan. The timing when the players eat. In Japan, when they get back to the hotel, they eat their dinner. Here, the players eat at the stadium. He thought it would be the same as in Japan, for example, eating dinner at the hotel. He thinks, even though he’s on the IL right now, he thinks it’s a positive thing to try and adjust and try to become better.”
Any pitcher moving to Major League Baseball from Japan has to deal with an adjustment process, but Imai’s appears rockier than most. He had not pitched all that great even before his arm trouble popped up, posting a 7.27 ERA over his first three starts.
The Astros signed Imai to a $54 million deal in the offseason, but there were apparently some doubts around the league about whether he would thrive at the MLB level. Those who weren’t sure about him are probably feeling quite vindicated now.
Ty Simpson takes pre-draft visit to intriguing team
Former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is drawing first-round interest in the NFL Draft, and one intriguing team is bringing him in for a pre-draft visit.
Simpson is visiting the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday, according to Field Yates of ESPN. Wednesday marks the final day that prospects are allowed to take visits.
On the final day that prospects are allowed to make pre-draft 30 visits, Alabama QB Ty Simpson is visiting the Arizona Cardinals today. pic.twitter.com/ipwn1Rt5BJ
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 15, 2026
The Cardinals need a long-term quarterback, so it is not a huge shock that they would want a look at Simpson. The real intrigue is where the Cardinals might seek to draft him. They hold the No. 3 overall pick, which would appear to be far too high for the team to take Simpson. That could signify that the Cardinals are interested in trading back for more picks.
Just how far back the Cardinals could go is another question. Simpson appears to be entrenching himself as a first-round pick, but it’s less clear how early he might be selected.
Simpson has seemingly trended up throughout the NFL Draft process. The former Alabama quarterback threw for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and five interceptions for the Crimson Tide last season.
LaMelo Ball could be disciplined for tripping Bam Adebayo
The Charlotte Hornets survived for another day with their dramatic win over the Miami Heat on Tuesday night, but they may have to play without LaMelo Ball as they try to get into the playoffs.
The NBA is investigating Ball’s alleged trip of Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo during Tuesday’s 127-126 overtime win at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C., according to Chris Haynes of Prime. The league is expected to make a decision on what punishment Ball might face before Friday’s game.
Sources: NBA to review Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball for taking out ankle of Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo in 2nd Q, resulting in hard spill and back injury that cost him rest of crucial do-or-die play-in contest. Ruling expected before Hornets’ final play-in bout on Friday. pic.twitter.com/o6z9FwFziA
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 15, 2026
Ball appeared to pull Adebayo down by the leg during the game, but was not called for a foul. Adebayo left the game due to a lower back injury and did not return. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was livid that Ball was not punished for the incident.
The fact that this does not appear to be the first time Ball has done something like this might work against him as the league investigates.
Ball contributed 30 points and 10 assists, including the game-winning layup, during Tuesday’s win. The Hornets probably would not have won without him, and may have lost had Adebayo been able to finish the game as well.
Magic player close to reaching boiling point amid locker room turmoil
The Orlando Magic’s locker room doesn’t seem to be the happiest place on earth.
The Magic have gone through a lot in the 2025-26 NBA season, and while they survived the regular season and made it to the NBA Play-In Tournament, the relationship between head coach Jamahl Mosley and a key player appears to be beyond repair.
According to Raheem Palmer of The Ringer, “the Magic are dealing with major turmoil in their locker room,” with a star player on the verge of forcing a trade out of Orlando if Mosley gets retained.
Palmer did not name the player, but a rift between Mosley and Paolo Banchero has been an underlying narrative throughout the season.
Although Orlando won 45 games, the Magic were supposed to be better than a team fighting for a ticket to the playoffs proper, considering the talent on their roster.
A feuding player and a head coach aren’t out of the ordinary in the NBA, but between a star player and a coach, it’s the latter who’s always going to be the more expendable.
Still, Mosley can cool his seat with the Magic with a deep run in the playoffs. That is going to be much easier said than done, however. Should they make it past the play-in, they will either face the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference Detroit Pistons, or the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics in the first round.
Details emerge on Edwin Diaz’s absence against the Mets
Edwin Diaz has yet to pitch against his former team during the Los Angeles Dodgers’ ongoing series versus the New York Mets.
Diaz was nowhere to be found on the mound on Tuesday, when the Dodgers took care of business and defeated New York, 2-1, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif.
Instead, it was Alex Vesia who assumed the closer duties for the reigning World Series champions, striking out the side in the ninth inning to preserve Los Angeles’ victory and secure his second save in the 2026 MLB season.
Diaz watched Vesia close it out for the Dodgers, as he was held back by the team.
Amid injury concerns, Diaz threw a bullpen session Tuesday afternoon, effectively taking him out of the Dodgers’ plan for the Mets game, according to Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts, via Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.
The 32-year-old Diaz has not pitched since Friday’s game against the Texas Rangers, after which he said that he “didn’t feel right,” prompting concerns about his health, according to Ardaya. Roberts, however, allayed fears by saying that it’s “something that’s behind us.”
Diaz can further quell questions about his status by showing up on the mound for a possible save opportunity in the series finale against the Mets on Wednesday.
Former All-Star suggests a hidden Padres agenda with Fernando Tatis Jr.
The San Diego Padres’ decision to move Fernando Tatis Jr. to second base was so surprising that it sparked a wild idea from former MLB star Harold Reynolds.
On Tuesday, former two-time All-Star Harold Reynolds praised Tatis for being such a versatile and talented weapon for the Padres. Reynolds even went as far as to call Tatis the most talented player today not named Shohei Ohtani.
Tatis’ adventure at second base began during last Saturday’s game against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park in San Diego, Calif., a move initially believed to be aimed at getting Nick Castellanos’ bat into the lineup.
Reynolds, however, believes it goes much deeper than that.
“I think this is a showcase because of the Padres’ payroll,” Reynolds said Tuesday on the MLB Network.
“I know they’re up there battling the Dodgers every year. We say it over and over and over. I’m sorry. They’ve got to do something. They can’t carry this payroll. The Dodgers can’t. They can’t carry this. Somebody’s got to go. So who of those guys do I want? I want Fernando Tatis Jr.”
The Padres have one of the heftiest payrolls in the big leagues, with a ton of money committed to Tatis, who signed a monster 14-year, $340 million contract extension with San Diego in 2021.
That contract will carry him through the 2034 season, when he will also be 35. The Padres can move around Tatis anywhere on the field, but they are unlikely to send the three-time All-Star elsewhere.
Tatis also doesn’t need to play second base for general managers to add him to their trade deadline wish list, but if San Diego made the move to spark Tatis’ bat, the team seemingly succeeded in that mission.
He went 5-for-9 with a double and an RBI in two games playing second base before returning to his usual role in the field in San Diego’s 4-1 win over the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park.
Steve Cohen delivers a strong message after the Mets’ seventh straight loss
The New York Mets are in a rut, but owner Steve Cohen is far from losing confidence in his team.
The Mets have been in a miserable state since last week, and their struggles continued on Tuesday, when they absorbed a 2-1 loss to the reigning World Series champions Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif.
That marked New York’s seventh straight loss and put them on the verge of losing a second consecutive series via a sweep.
Following the Mets’ debacle in LA, Cohen showed optimism for the team, choosing to see the positives rather than dwell on New York’s malaise.
“Nobody likes to lose but I saw some ‘green shoots tonight’. On offense, [Francisco] Lindor had two hits including a home run. [Bo] Bichette got a double hitting it to left field as opposed to recently being right field prone. [Carson] Benge got a solid hit,” Cohen posted on X.
Cohen even provided an update on Juan Soto, who suffered a calf injury April 3 against the San Francisco Giants.
“Soto started his running progression today. Semien hit a shot that might have been a home run on a warmer night. Finally, Nolan McLean pitched an outstanding game going 7 innings. Hang in there fans, we will turn this around!”
Cohen’s upbeat outlook on the Mets will be put to the test if the Mets drop another one on Wednesday, when they play in the finale of the Dodgers series.
New York will enter that contest with a 7-11 record, the worst thus far in the National League East standings.
Video: LaMelo Ball had an unhinged moment after the Hornets’ play-in win
The Charlotte Hornets punched their ticket to the next phase of the 2026 NBA Play-in Tournament. Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball literally landed punches after the Hornets’ thrilling 127-126 win over the Miami Heat at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C., on Tuesday.
Amid the pandemonium on the court following Charlotte’s incredible win, Ball dapped up Hugo, the Hornets mascot.
However, Ball followed that up with punches to Hugo’s face and neck, causing the mascot to lose its balance before walking away, perhaps wondering what exactly he did to get two-pieced by the Hornets star.
Here’s the video of that moment, via Cam Gaskins of WBTV News.
Nah y'all please look at LaMelo Ball and Hugo after the win 😂 pic.twitter.com/U1vtKCsWu8
— Cam Gaskins (@CamGaskinsTV) April 15, 2026
Still, the biggest blow Ball landed on the night was his game-winning layup with 4.7 seconds left in overtime.
The Heat got the ball back after his bucket, but Miles Bridges swatted away Davion Mitchell’s layup attempt to preserve Charlotte’s lead and secure the win for the Hornets, who are just a win away from making the franchise’s first playoff appearance since 2016.
Ball finished the game with 30 points on 12/21 shooting, 10 assists, 5 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block in 40 minutes. Bridges added 28 points, while Brandon Miller and Coby White had 23 and 19 points, respectively.
The Hornets will next face the winner of Wednesday’s battle between the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic.
Fans agree on 1 thing about Alex Ovechkin after his possible final NHL game
All eyes were on Alex Ovechkin on Tuesday, as the Washington Capitals played their final game of the 2025-26 NHL season against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
More than that, it might be the last time ever that Ovechkin has skated in an NHL game.
The league’s all-time leader in goals scored has yet to announce his decision on his future.
He has previously said he will make up his mind in the offseason. It is also possible he has already made a call, but does not want to reveal it yet, so as not to take away from the excitement of the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Following the Caps’ 2-1 win over Columbus, ESPN shared a video of the three-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner celebrating with his teammates and before skating off the ice for perhaps the last time in his NHL career.
Alex Ovechkin skates off the ice for potentially the last time 👏 pic.twitter.com/NmE026yzyp
— ESPN (@espn) April 15, 2026
Several fans, however, don’t believe that it’s over for Ovi.
We all know he’s coming back 😂
— SoothsayerDimelayer (@SDimelayer) April 15, 2026
He'll be back pic.twitter.com/cFr3faz223
— Steven Ratnik (@StevenJosephR) April 15, 2026
He's not retiring trust me
— Ovié 👽❤🖤🤍🌪 @ ?????? (@OvieKovy) April 15, 2026
Nah, he's got some Jagr in him.
— Lynn Lake Chiefs (@ChiefsLake) April 15, 2026
I give him atleast 1 more season.
I think he’ll come back for 1 more
— haugerr (@haugerr_) April 15, 2026
The 40-year-old Ovechkin does not have a contract beyond the 2025-26 season. It would be extremely surprising if he signs with a franchise other than the Capitals to continue his career.
If he is to run it back in the NHL for at least one more season, it should be in Washington, the franchise where he built his hockey legacy.
If he decides to hang up his skates for good, he will finish his NHL career with 929 goals and 758 assists.
Video resurfaces of LaMelo Ball tripping Bam Adebayo in past game
LaMelo Ball is apparently a repeat offender when it comes to tripping Bam Adebayo.
The Charlotte Hornets guard made negative headlines Tuesday for injuring the Miami Heat center during their play-in tournament game at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C. Adebayo was falling toward the baseline when Ball swiped at his legs, resulting in Bam crashing hard on his lower back (video here).
Adebayo suffered a back injury that kept him out for the rest of the game, which the Heat lost in overtime 127-126.
After the game, footage of Ball doing something similar to Adebayo resurfaced on social media. Ball visibly grabbed at Bam’s leg as the big man was running back down the court.
This is the SECOND time this season Lamelo tripped Bam 🤔 pic.twitter.com/xvfgDN4V5s
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) April 15, 2026
What made Tuesday’s instance much worse was that Adebayo was already off balance when Ball swept his legs, resulting in a hard fall on a prone area.
Contrary to the post’s caption, the past incident did not happen earlier this season. Given Miami’s players were wearing their old City Edition “Culture” uniforms, the game in question happened during the 2023-24 campaign. But it doesn’t make it any less damning that Ball has a tendency to dangerously trip opponents.
“I apologize on that one,” Ball said during his postgame press conference. “I got hit in the head, didn’t really know where I was, but I’mma check on him and see if he’s okay and everything.”
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said Ball deserved to be ejected for the dirty move. Ball instead stayed on the floor up until he made the game-winning floater to beat the Heat sand Adebayo in OT.
