BIG3 Opener Turns Wild As Dwight Howard And Lance Stephenson Throw Palms
Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson’s BIG3 debut was purported to be a celebration. As an alternative, it changed into pure chaos. [Insert internal link here to related BIG3 news or other celebrity sports incidents]. Throughout the season opener between LA Riot and Miami 305, each former NBA stars acquired into it on the courtroom—and it acquired bodily actual quick.
The sport had power from the bounce, however the vibe flipped after a number of exchanges between the 2. Pressure boiled over when Howard wrapped Stephenson in a headlock, and the scuffle spilled over close to the stands. Safety and teammates rushed in to interrupt issues up, however the message was clear: each gamers had been getting ejected.
Uh Oh: Shaq Responds After Dwight Howard Says He’s Prepared to “Throw Palms” Ongoing Feud
Stephenson wasn’t quiet after the actual fact. He hopped on Instagram and aired Howard out, saying, “He had 10 fouls, pushing all people, he was outta management.” Howard hasn’t responded publicly but, however the footage just about speaks for itself.
Stephenson’s On-Courtroom Drama Didn’t Cease With Dwight
As wild as that second was, it wasn’t Stephenson’s solely heated encounter that night time. Earlier within the sport, Jordan Crawford swung and caught him proper within the nostril. Stephenson threw a punch proper again, and as soon as once more, teammates needed to play peacemaker.
That’s on-brand for Stephenson although. By his 10-year NBA run, he was extra recognized for ruffling feathers than stats—although his 8.6 factors, 4.1 boards, and a couple of.9 assists per sport ain’t unhealthy. Let’s not neglect the person as soon as blew in LeBron’s ear mid-playoff collection.
Howard’s Return to the Courtroom Sparks Controversy, Not Comeback
Dwight Howard wasn’t simply one other face within the crowd. He was the face. A former NBA champion, three-time Defensive Participant of the 12 months, and eight-time All-Star, Howard introduced legacy and energy to the BIG3.
He final suited up within the league for the Lakers again within the 2021-22 season and has made it clear he nonetheless desires one final NBA shot. However after Saturday’s showdown, people would possibly solely keep in mind the headlock—not the hustle. He dropped 10 factors and grabbed 7 rebounds, however the struggle outshined the stat line.
Miami 305 Clinches the Win, Regardless of the Chaos
By all of the drama, the sport truly ended—with Miami 305 popping out on prime. They edged LA Riot 50-44. Stephenson confirmed out with 16 factors, three rebounds, and an help. And regardless that Howard acquired ejected, he left his mark together with his personal stat line earlier than the drama minimize it quick.
BIG3 video games are at all times excessive power, however this opener set a complete new tone for the season. With egos flaring and tempers flying, the league would possibly’ve simply gotten its largest storyline but—and it’s solely week one.