Q: Why didn’t . . .? – Many.
A: Received plenty of these regarding the finish to Tuesday night’s game in Charlotte, including why Kel’el Ware wasn’t in the game at the end on LaMelo Ball’s drive, why the Hornets were able to get up a 3-pointer at the end of regulation instead of being fouled, and why no foul and reset before Charlotte final score. The two plays that most stood out to me were these: Why didn’t Davion Mitchell pass ahead to a wide-open Pelle Larsson on the game’s final possession? Larsson was wide open and would have beaten the clock with a winning layup. The second was why Tyler Herro settled for a 3-pointer in a tie game off an inbounds play with 11 seconds remaining in regulation after Coby White’s tying 3-pointer. The Hornets did not have a remaining timeout, so an earlier shot also could have led to an offensive rebound and putback. Those are the two, to me, that were decisive. But it was a wild finish that made for the highest level of play-in drama.
Q: So LaMelo Ball now is suspended for the second play-in game? – Sandy.
A: Highly, highly doubtful. He likely receives an after-the-fact flagrant foul for his trip of Bam Adebayo, which will do the Heat little good other than receiving an acknowledgement that they were wronged. First the Terry Rozier trade and lost first-round pick and now this. Safe, to say, the Heat have had their fill of the Hornets.
Q: Ira, Giannis Antetokounmpo ain’t coming here. You don’t leave the No. 11 team for a better shot at a title, and join the No. 10 team. – John, Ocala.
A: But this seems about more than that. It seems more of a divorce of convenience, of a player having grown tired of an organization, seeking a larger vista, a fresh outlook. Those are things the Heat can provide – along with no more Milwaukee winters and no state income tax. But, of course, so could Houston or San Antonio. First, we’re not sure Giannis Antetokounmpo is going anywhere. But it could come down to the level of competition, if he does hit the market. And that could come down to if contenders come up short and look for something different. In that case, the Spurs, Thunder or Rockets could just to the top of the list. But the bottom line is it will be about more than the 2025-26 standings.