The opening weekend of the BIG3’s highly anticipated 2025 season promised fireworks, but few predicted the explosive ignition that erupted between two former NBA heavyweights: Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson. In a clash that instantly became the league’s most talked-about moment, a heated exchange escalated into a full-blown physical altercation, sending both stars to an early shower and electrifying the Chicago crowd.
The stage was set on Saturday, June 14, 2025, for the BIG3 debuts of both Howard, now commanding the LA Riot, and Stephenson, a key figure for the Miami 305. Early signs suggested a competitive affair, with both veterans looking to leave their mark on the 3-on-3 circuit. However, the game quickly veered from competitive basketball to an arena-wide spectacle of raw intensity and simmering tension.
The flashpoint arrived with characteristic Stephenson flair. Known throughout his NBA career for his audacious antics and relentless competitiveness, Stephenson appeared to deliver an elbow to Howard’s chest. “Superman” didn’t take kindly to the contact. Howard, a future Hall of Famer known for his imposing presence, immediately shoved Stephenson’s arm away, a clear signal that the pleasantries were over. What followed was a rapid escalation: shoves exchanged, bodies grappling, and then, the unthinkable – the two titans tumbled out of bounds, their scuffle spilling directly into the bewildered media area behind the basket.
Security and teammates were quick to intervene, but the damage was done. The image of two accomplished NBA veterans wrestling amidst reporters and photographers will undoubtedly be replayed across sports channels for weeks to come. In an immediate response to the fracas, both Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson were ejected from the game, their BIG3 debuts marred by an unforgettable display of aggression.
The fight, while dominating headlines, was just one chapter in a turbulent night for Stephenson. Earlier in the contest, he found himself embroiled in another fiery confrontation, this time with Jordan Crawford. Reports indicate Crawford initiated contact by poking Stephenson in the nose, to which Stephenson responded with a swift punch. While that earlier skirmish was contained without ejections, it served as a stark precursor to the main event, hinting at Stephenson’s charged mindset.
Despite the chaotic departure of their marquee players, the Miami 305 managed to maintain their composure and secure a hard-fought 50-44 victory over the LA Riot. Before his ejection, the 39-year-old Howard had contributed 10 points and 7 rebounds, showcasing glimpses of the dominance that made him a multiple Defensive Player of the Year and NBA champion. Stephenson, 34, led his Miami squad with an impressive 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist, underscoring his continued ability to impact the game offensively.
This incident, however regrettable, inadvertently put the BIG3 firmly in the spotlight. Founded by Ice Cube, the league has always prided itself on its raw, unfiltered style of basketball, providing a platform for former NBA stars to continue their careers with passion. While the league aims to highlight elite 3-on-3 competition and the pursuit of a $1 million championship prize, Saturday’s brawl served as a stark reminder that the competitive fire still burns intensely within these veterans, sometimes to an explosive degree.
As the BIG3 season continues its 10-week journey towards the championship, all eyes will now be on the league’s disciplinary actions regarding Howard and Stephenson. Will there be suspensions? Fines? The implications of this high-profile skirmish could shape the narrative of the 2025 BIG3 season, proving that even in a smaller, more intimate setting, the drama of professional basketball remains as compelling as ever. Fans are left to wonder if this was a one-off eruption or a sign of the intensified rivalries that will define this year’s competition. One thing is certain: the BIG3 has captured attention, for better or worse, and the league’s momentum has undeniably been shifted by the “Mayhem in Miami.”
