BIG3 opener explodes in violence as Dwight Howard, Lance Stephenson clash in heated fight
Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson. Image via: Will Newton / Getty Images | David Becker, NBAE via Getty Images/AFP | BIG 3
The opening weekend of the 2025 BIG3 season took a shocking turn when former NBA stars Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson were ejected after a physical altercation erupted during Saturday's matchup between the LA Riot and Miami 305.
What began as a competitive debut for both players quickly turned into a full-blown brawl that spilled into the crowd in the league's highly anticipated season opener.
Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson's fiery BIG3 opener spirals out of control
Tensions had been simmering throughout the game, but they finally boiled over in the closing minutes. After a series of physical plays, Lance Stephenson raised his hand toward Dwight Howard's chest during a heated exchange. Howard reacted instantly, shoving the arm aside and stepping into Stephenson's space.
Moments later, the two locked up and fell out of bounds, with the scuffle carrying them into the crowd near the media area.
The fight was intense. Howard had Stephenson in a headlock, while Stephenson dragged him into the first few rows of seats before officials and security intervened. Both players were immediately ejected, and the game resumed without them. Miami ultimately secured a 50-44 win, finishing off the contest with a layup by Mario Chalmers.
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This wasn't Stephenson's only run-in of the night. Earlier in the game, he had an aggressive exchange with Jordan Crawford, who appeared to poke him in the nose. Stephenson responded by throwing a punch, though he remained in the game at that point.
Saturday marked the BIG3 debuts for both players. Howard, now 39, is fresh off a stint overseas and is set to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame later this year.
During his 18-year NBA career, he earned eight All-Star selections, won Defensive Player of the Year three times, and captured a title with the Lakers in 2020. Stephenson, 34, played 10 NBA seasons with nine different franchises, most notably the Pacers, where he built a reputation for his aggressive, high-energy play.
Howard finished with 10 points and seven rebounds before being tossed, while Stephenson led his squad with 16 points, three rebounds, and an assist.
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With the BIG3 now featuring eight new teams and a 10-week sprint toward a $1 million championship prize, the league hoped to focus on star power and competition. Instead, its first major headlines came from an all-out fight.
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