It was supposed to be a star-studded opener to kick off the 2025 BIG3 season in Chicago, but what unfolded at the Allstate Arena turned into one of the wildest scenes in league history. During the matchup between Dwight Howard’s LA Riot and Lance Stephenson’s Miami 305, tempers boiled over into a full-blown brawl that spilled past the baseline, into the stands, and directly toward the AMG Sports Media team.
We were right there, cameras rolling and lenses focused, as the altercation erupted just feet from our media table. Security scrambled, fans jumped from their seats, and for a split second, our crew nearly got caught in the chaos. But we held our ground, captured the entire incident in real time, and became the first outlet to break the story.
The confrontation began after several tense exchanges between the two NBA veterans. Stephenson had already clashed earlier with Jordan Crawford on a drive to the rim. Moments later, after another heated possession, Howard and Stephenson locked eyes and exchanged words. Howard pushed Stephenson’s arm away, Stephenson lunged back, and suddenly the two were tangled up, tumbling toward the crowd. Officials and teammates rushed in as both players were escorted off the court. The game resumed shortly after, with Miami 305 holding on to win 50–44. Stephenson led his team with 16 points, while Howard added 10 points and 7 rebounds before the ejection.
After the game, AMG Sports Media had the exclusive chance to speak directly with Dwight Howard about what happened. He was calm but firm in defending his side of the story. “I tried to walk away, but sometimes when you’re competing and someone keeps pressing you, things can escalate,” Howard told us courtside. “I respect Lance as a player, but there’s a line that can’t be crossed. I just reacted.”
Stephenson later shared his own perspective online, writing that Howard had been “outta control” and that the contact was “too personal.” Both players avoided suspension, but the BIG3 announced an internal review of the altercation.
From our vantage point, the energy in the building shifted the moment fists flew. Fans shouted in disbelief. Cameras flashed. Commentators stood frozen as security cleared the area. It was the kind of moment where instinct meets professionalism and AMG Sports Media was there to capture every second.
As the dust settled, the story became bigger than the box score. The BIG3 is built on intensity, competitiveness, and pride. On that night, those elements boiled over. And for AMG Sports Media, it was a reminder of what journalism in live sports is about being there when the moment happens, telling the story as it unfolds, and giving fans a front-row seat to history.
Take a listen to our exclusive postgame interview with Dwight Howard, only on AMG Sports Media.
