Former Charlotte Hornets Ejected After Heated Fight in BIG3 Season Opener

Former NBA stars Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson were tossed from their BIG3 debuts following a physical altercation during Miami’s 50-44 win over Los Angeles in the 2025 season opener.

The fight broke out after Stephenson appeared to elbow Howard in the chest, leading to a scuffle that went under behind the basket and in the first couple rows of seats.The confrontation escalated when Stephenson raised a fist, Howard pushed him back, and both exchanged shoves before being separated and removed from the game. 

Tensions were high even before the ejections. Earlier in the game, Stephenson was involved in another incident with Jordan Crawford, who made contact with Stephenson’s nose, prompting Stephenson to throw a punch. However, both remained in the game at that point as teammates intervened.

Both Stephenson and Howard each had separate stints with the Hornets in the 2010s. This season marks the BIG3 debuts for both Howard and Stephenson, who combined for 31 seasons in the NBA.

Howard, an eight-time All-Star and 2020 NBA champion with the Lakers, was known for his dominance with the Orlando Magic. Stephenson had a journeyman NBA career, most notably with the Indiana Pacers, where he played his final NBA season in 2021–22.

Howard played in Charlotte in the 2017-18 season where he averaged 16.6 points and 12.5 rebounds per game. Stephenson's brief stop in the QC came during the 2014-15 season where he put up 8.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.

The BIG3 opens up the league’s eighth season and features eight new teams and a 10-week schedule, ending in a championship game with a $1 million prize. Other former Hornet players joining the league this year include Kemba Walker and Montrezl Harrell.