The recent Big3 opener turned heads when Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson turned their basketball confrontation into a dramatic spectacle. The clash unfolded during a game between LA Riot and Miami 305, where an initial physical altercation escalated into a full-blown brawl that spilled into the media area. Both players were ultimately ejected as officials intervened to restore order.
Despite the chaos, Lance Stephenson later addressed the incident, showcasing his competitive spirit. In a candid moment shared on social media, he expressed his intent to stand his ground, saying, “I don’t like to be pushed hard and bullied,” underscoring his resilience. He brushed off the incident, displaying a light-hearted attitude as he returned to practice.
The drama didn’t end there, as Stephenson had an earlier run-in with LA Riot’s Jordan Crawford, further igniting the fiery atmosphere of the game. Post-match, he took to Instagram to critique Howard’s aggressive style, claiming Howard was “outta control” with his play.
Dwight Howard, never one to shy away from attention, embraced the chaos surrounding the brawl. He humorously suggested that they were simply “clip farming” to draw attention to the Big3 and amusingly placed the blame on league founder Ice Cube, implying that there was an expectation for theatrics. Ice Cube himself commented on the incident with a casual remark, affirming that Howard needed to defend himself in the competitive environment of the league.
The entertainment value of the Big3 was highlighted, as Howard continued the theatricality with a martial arts video shortly after the scuffle, showcasing his flair for the dramatic and comedic.
This opening game has set the tone for the Big3 season, proving that it’s not just about nostalgia for former NBA stars, but also about intense competition and showmanship. The fiery exchanges suggest that both Howard and Stephenson will be formidable figures to watch throughout the league, reminding fans that the excitement of basketball also thrives on personality and competition.