What was meant to be a thrilling debut for Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson in the BIG3 league turned into a chaotic scene Saturday, as the two former NBA teammates clashed in a heated courtside brawl that spiraled out of control and spilled into the crowd.
From Tip-Off to Takedown
The incident occurred during a heated matchup between the Los Angeles Riot and Miami 305, two teams in the popular 3-on-3 basketball league co-founded by Ice Cube.
Tensions were already high when Stephenson became entangled in a scuffle with a Riot player near half-court. Just moments later, things took a violent turn.
Howard approached Stephenson near the sideline and shoved him during what appeared to be an emotional exchange — and Stephenson responded by tackling Howard, igniting a brawl that caused fans nearby to scramble for safety.
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Security Rushed In as Fans Fled
As the confrontation spilled into the stands, arena security quickly intervened, pulling the two apart before the situation escalated further. No major injuries were reported, but the scene caused a significant delay in the game.
First BIG3 Game Ends in Mayhem
Saturday marked the BIG3 debuts for both Howard and Stephenson, who last played in the NBA three years ago. Their presence had brought excitement and high expectations to the game — but fans got more drama than they bargained for.
Video clips of the altercation quickly went viral, with many fans stunned to see former NBA stars come to blows in their first BIG3 appearance.
League Response Awaited
The BIG3 league has not yet issued an official statement on the altercation or whether disciplinary action will be taken. However, league insiders suggest both players could face fines or suspensions for their conduct.
Stay tuned to The Pop Radar for the latest on this developing story, including reactions from Ice Cube, teammates, and league officials.
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