The BIG3 debuts of Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson took an unexpected turn, culminating in a fierce brawl on Saturday, June 14, a spectacle that surely caught many off guard.
The LA Riot squared off against the Miami 305 in the season opener that became an unforgettable night, albeit for the wrong reasons, as Howard and Stephenson tangled during Ice Cube’s pro basketball game.
Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson dance on the court
In the video recap of the game, the former great Orlando Magic center and the former Indiana Pacers guard exchanged heat-seeking verbile missiles at each other before Howard pushed Stephenson away. When the notoriously combative Stephenson tried to retaliate, the situation quickly dissolved into chaos on the court.
The fight spilled into the stands, leading to ejections
Howard quickly put Stephenson in a headlock, and the two engaged in a violent tangle that went from under the basket and into the barrier, separating the players from the paying fans.
Their involvement in the fight, Howard and Stephenson, led to a prompt decision to eject them that underscored the seriousness of the incident.
Despite the drama, the Miami 305 emerged victorious, beating the LA Riot 50-44. Stephenson was a key player in this win, contributing 16 points, three rebounds, and one assist, while Howard’s performance of 10 points and seven rebounds was not enough to secure a victory for the LA Riot.
Following the game, Stephenson vented his frustration to his two million Instagram followers, launching a scathing attack on Howard and further fueling the tension between the two.
Lance Stephenson disgusted with Dwight Howard
“He had 10 fouls, pushing everybody, he was outta control,” Stephenson wrote.
He also posted a photo of someone using their sneakers to bust Howard’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, saying that Hoard needs to “just play basketball.”
Howard has yet to respond to Stephenson’s accusations publicly or discuss how the brawl erupted on Saturday.
