Former NBA champions Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson were ejected from Saturday’s BIG3 opener between Miami and Los Angeles after they engaged in a fight that spilled into the media area behind the basket. The altercation began when the players got into each other’s faces after Stephenson appeared to put an elbow into Howard’s chest.

Stephenson raised a fist, Howard pushed his arm away, and the pair exchanged shoves, hitting the media tables situated behind the basket.

Stephenson’s Miami squad defeated Howard and Los Angeles with a final score of 50-44 moments later. Both left the floor before the game concluded.

The game’s tension escalated earlier when Stephenson and Jordan Crawford clashed. Crawford raised his hand in Stephenson’s face, making contact with his nose, prompting Stephenson to throw a punch. Players separated them before further escalation occurred, and neither were ejected.

This marks the first season in the BIG3 for both Howard and Stephenson, who collectively played 31 NBA seasons prior to joining the 3-on-3 league.

Howard is an eight-time NBA All-Star and three-time defensive player of the year. He rose to fame with the Orlando Magic and played 16 seasons, winning his NBA title with the Lakers in 2020. Conversely, Stephenson had multiple stints, particularly with the Pacers, where he concluded his NBA tenure.

The 2025 BIG3 season is the league’s eighth, featuring eight new teams, culminating in a championship game that includes a $1 million bonus for participants. Notable players set to appear this year include Kemba Walker, Wesley Johnson, and Montrezl Harrell.