Getty
Following the Miami Heat loss to the Orlando Magic, Bam Adebayo didn’t hold back on the referees.
The Miami Heat had to truly accept their fate on Thursday as they participated in exit interviews. The star center Bam Adebayo spoke for the first time since he went out with a back injury during the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Adebayo left the court after just 11 minutes of action. The center made all three of his shots from the field for six points and came down with three rebounds before his night ended abruptly after a hard fall.
While discussing the incident, Adebayo gave a brief update on his setback on Thursday.
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 20: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat reacts during the first quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on February 20, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
“Obviously, I’m still walking, so I’m OK,” Adebayo told reporters.
The Miami Heat center seems to suggest that his setback isn’t anything to be concerned about long-term.
Bam Adebayo Gets Honest On The Fall
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 10: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat leaves the court after a 150-129 win over the Washington Wizards at Kaseya Center on March 10, 2026 in Miami, Florida. He passed Kobe Bryant for the second most points scored in an NBA game. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The frustration might be worse than the pain for Adebayo at this point.
Once the Heat realized that the Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball had a hand in Adebayo’s fall, which caused a game-ending injury, Adebayo and the organization were understandably upset with the way the play was officiated.
“I think the officials handled it–I guess–by the rule book. I feel like it’ll be a change at some point because it doesn’t make sense that three or four plays can go by and you can review a three-point shot, but you can’t review a hostile act,” Adebayo explained.
Ball would later face punishment with a fine from the NBA. On Wednesday night, the NBA announced that Ball would be hit with a $35,000 fine due to a flagrant foul 2-worthy move on Adebayo. The contact was deemed “unnecessary and reckless.”
Unfortunately, the decision doesn’t change the outcome of the game.
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 08: Bam Adebayo #13 celebrates with Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat after scoring a three-pointer against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter at Kaseya Center on March 08, 2026 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Adebayo still left with an injury, and the Heat later lost in overtime with a score of 127-126. With that loss, the 10th-seeded Heat were sent home once and for all.
Miami’s star center heads into the offseason after seeing the court for 73 games. He averaged 20.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in 2025-2026.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
More Heavy on Heat
Loading more stories