LaMelo Ball Nearly Decapitated Hugo The Hornet and Nobody's Talking About It

Look, we all remember the dramatic finish. LaMelo Ball's layup with the game on the line. Miles Bridges blocking a shot at the buzzer. The Hornets walked out of that overtime thriller against the Heat with a W, and Charlotte fans were losing their minds.

But here's what actually went viral: Ball nearly took out the team mascot in the process.

The Play That Had Everything

The Hornets pulled off one of those games you don't forget. LaMelo drove to the basket late in overtime, and the shot went in when it mattered most. Then Bridges came flying from nowhere with a rejection that basically sealed it at the buzzer. Classic playoff intensity stuff, right? Except the real story happened in the chaos of the moment.

Ball's momentum during the layup had him barreling toward the sideline where Hugo The Hornet was positioned. We're talking a full collision waiting to happen. The mascot had to scramble to get out of the way as LaMelo finished the play. For a second there, it looked like Hugo was about to get absolutely demolished by a 6'7" NBA player moving at full speed.

The Fines Keep Coming

Speaking of drama, Ball caught a $35,000 fine for what the league called a "reckless" play earlier in the season. So between the fines and nearly creating a viral mascot disaster, Ball's having the kind of April that gets people talking. The dude plays with edge, plays with intensity, and sometimes that intensity nearly turns the team mascot into a highlight reel casualty.

The Hornets got the win they needed. That's what counts in the standings. But next time Hugo suits up, he might want to stand a little further back.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.