The BIG3 season start had a big twist when former NBA stars Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson got into a fight that got them both thrown out. This clash came during the first game for both players in the 3-on-3 basketball league, as LA Riot faced Miami 305 on Saturday.
As the game went on, stress grew and things got worse in the last few minutes. Stephenson made a move towards Howard’s chest, which led Howard to push his hand away. Soon after, they grabbed each other and fell out of the play zone, with their fight reaching the area where the press and media were. Security jumped in fast, but the fight was caught on camera from many views.
Howard quickly had Stephenson in a headlock, and Stephenson pulled Howard into the crowd by the media spots. They both had to be kicked out of the game early because of this fight.
It was going good before the bell rang
Before this, Stephenson was doing well, leading his team with 16 points and a few more good moves. Howard made 10 points and got seven catches before he had to leave.
Earlier that night, Stephenson also had a tough moment with Jordan Crawford, who seemed to hit him on the nose. Stephenson hit back but stayed in the game then.
Howard, who is 39, will be named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame later this year. He has been an All-Star eight times in his 18-year NBA time, won the top defense award three times, and got a championship with the Lakers in 2020.
Stephenson, 34, played 10 years in the NBA, mostly known at the Indiana Pacers for his bold and lively style. He’s known for getting to his rivals, and he showed that side in his BIG3 first game.
The Big3 takes basketball to new horizons
Founded by Ice Cube, the BIG3 league has become popular as a place for former NBA players to compete. This season, there are eight new teams and they play over 10 weeks for a $1 million prize.
The league wanted to shine with star plays and tough games, but the first big news was about a fight, not great game moves. What this means for later actions is not clear yet, but one thing is sure, Howard and Stephenson’s start in BIG3 won’t be forgotten fast.
The BIG3 2025 season has just begun and it’s full of strong games and top performances. Joe Johnson came in first in week one with 30 points and 10 rebounds. Michael Beasley kept grinding with 21 points and 9 boards. The league now has city-based teams and a $1 million prize for the winner, making it more exciting to watch and follow.
Dwight Howard and Montrezl Harrell are in the mix, giving the game more star glow. The year lasts 10 weeks, ending with a final game on August 24 in Orlando, Florida. With quick matches and high-energy plays, BIG3 is a fun show of basketball.
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