Latest news with #DwightHoward
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dwight Howard Receives Punishment Update for Fight With Lance Stephenson
Dwight Howard Receives Punishment Update for Fight With Lance Stephenson originally appeared on Athlon Sports. NBA legend Dwight Howard stepped into the Big 3 spotlight this weekend, making his debut with the LA Riot in a season opener against Lance Stephenson's Miami 305. The matchup in Chicago held promise as two prominent former Los Angeles Lakers players squared off in the high-intensity 3-on-3 format. Advertisement Late in the game, tensions boiled over. What began as a scuffle on the court escalated when Stephenson appeared to elbow Howard in the chest. Howard shoved Stephenson and even locked him in a headlock, pushing the altercation into the stands—forcing ejections for both players. Officials later issued each a technical foul for the on-court confrontation before their ejections. After the game, Stephenson blasted Howard's aggression on Instagram, writing, 'He had 10 fouls, pushing everybody—he was outta control' (h/t Ball is Life). Howard hasn't commented directly on the incident, seemingly focused on moving forward with the season. On Tuesday, NBA insider Chris B. Haynes reported on potential punishments for both Howard and Stephenson: Advertisement 'After extensive review, Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson will avoid suspensions for their on‑court altercation that spilled into stands … Both issued warnings and given leniency due to being rookies getting accustomed to physicality of league." Despite the dramatic debut, the league has opted against suspensions—emphasizing that while the altercation was serious, both players received warnings and leniency. The decision respects their adjustment to the physical Big 3 environment and keeps them both eligible for upcoming games. With neither suspended, fans can expect both veterans back in action—and hopefully channeling their intensity in more controlled, basketball-focused ways moving forward. Advertisement Related: Dalton Knecht Sends LeBron James Message After 'Retirement' Post Related: Austin Reaves' Message on NBA Future After Lakers Trade Report This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has had a great NBA Finals, but could Jalen Williams win MVP?
The Bounce Newsletter | This is The Athletic's daily NBA newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Bounce directly in your inbox. If you're wondering how the Big 3 is going, Stephen Jackson tried to get in a fight after a game, then was recorded on video in the locker room screaming for people to google him because he 'burns' people (yes, it probably means what you think) and then made a video in his car days later saying he'll find the person who violated the sanctity of the locker room and called bloggers losers. Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson are beefing. Also, there are rumors Jamal Crawford might join. It's exactly what you expect. Could there be an upset pick for finals MVP? I still remember being in Cleveland when the Warriors won the championship in 2015. It was the culmination of a surprise season. The Warriors took the league by storm. Steph Curry was redefining basketball. And there was a lot of chaos on the court as the Warriors were celebrating on foreign turf and the media was scrambling to figure out where the most advantageous spots were for postgame coverage. Advertisement Then, I remember being completely baffled when it was announced Andre Iguodala won the NBA Finals MVP. This is meant as no shade to Iguodala, who is an incredible role player. And he had a very good series. He was tasked with the impossible duty of slowing down a then-30-year-old LeBron James. With Kevin Love's shoulder still mostly in Kelly Olynyk's grasp from the first round and Kyrie Irving playing only one game in the finals, LeBron was all on his own in terms of stardom on the 2015 Cavaliers. He tried to do it all, averaging 35.8 points, 13.3 rebounds and 8.8 assists in the series. He took over 32 shots per game in the series and averaged 11 free-throw attempts. But he was held to 39.8 percent shooting and 31 percent from deep. It was during an era when we were baffled if James was slowed down in the slightest. In a drubbing by the Spurs in the 2014 NBA Finals, Kawhi Leonard was awarded his first NBA Finals MVP for doing such a great defensive job on the then-Miami Heat star. It felt like my fellow media members just kept with that notion for 2015. And Iguodala as the primary defender did a brilliant job. However, Steph Curry still had a very good series and remained the engine that made those Warriors go. He still averaged 26 points, 6.3 assists, 5.2 rebounds, had 44.3/38.5/88.5 splits and even put Matthew Dellevadova in the hospital due to exhaustion after one of the games. I still feel Curry should have won that 2015 NBA Finals MVP. Iguodala is one of the more surprising finals MVPs in history. He's right up there with these other distinct winners: It makes me wonder what the odds are for a surprise NBA Finals MVP in this year's championship series. I know the betting odds. BetMGM has Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the heavy favorite (-600) – and for good reason. The regular-season MVP has been awesome for all but one game. But Jalen Williams (+625) has been charging the last three outings, and his story has been gaining momentum. Advertisement What would happen if, the rest of the way, SGA provides some average games while Williams contributes awesome performances? Would the latter edge out his MVP teammate? Or is that overthinking? After all, SGA is currently averaging 32.4 points, 5.0 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 2.4 steals and 1.8 blocks while making 47.4 percent of his shots! By the way, the odds are not even entertaining the idea of Tyrese Haliburton leading Indiana back to win the title and NBA Finals MVP. OKC is -2500 to win (Indiana +1050), and Haliburton is +4000 for finals MVP. Caitlin Clark involved in another scuffle 👊 Fight fever. We had a skirmish in the Fever-Sun game. Caitlin Clark was knocked to the ground. 🏀 What if? The Pacers are on the brink of elimination. Game 4 may haunt them for a long time. 🏀 Mid-series trade! The Pacers aren't too busy in the NBA Finals to make a trade. The Pacers swapped some draft picks. 🏀 World icon. I can't recommend this Sabrina Ionescu profile enough. Her global reach is so impressive. 🏀 Shots! John Hollinger wants to make sure your point guard has a running mate. Here are his best free-agent shooting guards. 📺 New era? How does the NBA's new media deal affect national and local markets? 👥 Bond-builder. Although Gregg Popovich is a coaching genius, he's also adept at tough conversations. 🎧 Tuning in. Today's 'NBA Daily' discusses the best Kevin Durant trade destination The story of the greatest players in NBA history. In 100 riveting profiles, top basketball writers justify their selections and uncover the history of the NBA in the process. The story of the greatest players in NBA history. Tyrese Haliburton gets MRI for calf strain You may have remembered Haliburton looking incredibly hobbled during the Pacers' Game 5 loss to the Thunder. At times, the Pacers wondered if they were even going to play him in the second half of the game. That's how bad things were when he went down during the first quarter of Game 5. But Haliburton tried to give it a go, and did have a few impactful moments while moving the ball around. Advertisement He also didn't make a single shot in the game and finished with four points, six assists, seven rebounds and three turnovers in 34 minutes. It turns out Haliburton has a calf injury and had an MRI on Tuesday to determine the severity of the injury: 'Haliburton is dealing with a calf strain and was to undergo further imaging Tuesday, but he wants to play in Game 6 of the NBA Finals with his team's season on the brink. 'A source briefed on Haliburton's injury confirmed the calf strain and further testing, including an MRI, but also said Haliburton would push to play against the Oklahoma City Thunder.' It would be shocking if Haliburton didn't try to play with the Pacers' season and championship hopes on the line at home. But there also has to be concern for the franchise guard risking much more serious injury to the calf. Regardless, the Pacers must win tomorrow's game at home in order to force a Game 7 in Oklahoma City. Will you, Bouncers, bury Pacers in Game 6? We have an extra day between Games 5 and 6 of the NBA Finals, as the Thunder are awaiting a chance at closing out the Pacers. That's good news for Haliburton's calf, and I'll be honest that I don't care which franchise ends up winning its first NBA title. However, I really want the Pacers to take Game 6 so we can have a Game 7. This has been a very fun and interesting NBA Finals to me. The ratings have been rough for the league and its broadcasting partner, but that just means people are missing out on a great series so far. I'd love to see the Pacers force a must-win for both teams and give us the ultimate basketball drama on Sunday. Well … I guess the ultimate basketball drama would involve the forward formally known as Ron Artest going into the stands, but I digress. I'm curious what you, the Bouncers, are hoping for in Thursday's Game 6. Are you looking for a coronation of the best team in the NBA all season? Are you hoping for the Pacers forcing that do-or-die Game 7? Do you want Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to be crowned or embarrassed? Are you rooting for a Haliburton return to form? Or do you want the choke sign meme to slap him in the face like a wrestling heel turn? We've got a poll for you to participate in regarding Game 6 of the NBA Finals. We'll publish the results of the poll in Thursday's edition of The Bounce, leading up to the game action. Twelve years ago, Ray Allen hit The Shot On this date, back in 2013, one of the greatest shots in basketball history ripped through the net. So many of us still remember this moment like it happened five seconds ago. The Spurs opted for switching and versatility instead of Duncan being on the floor. LeBron missed a game-tying 3-pointer as the Heat were about to lose their second NBA Finals in three years with the big three of LeBron, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Advertisement Then, Bosh came soaring in for the rebound. He snatched it out of the air, found Allen retreating toward the corner and shoveled the ball to him, and the latter made sure to set his feet behind the arc in the corner before he let that thing fly against a closing Tony Parker. As soon as it left Allen's hands, everybody in the basketball world knew one of the greatest shooters ever was coming through in the clutch. Allen tied the game up, and the refs had to go make sure both feet were behind the line. Overtime ensued as the Heat won en route to a Game 7 victory and back-to-back championships. But my favorite part of this moment wasn't the rebound or the shot. It was Allen trash-talking NBA personnel. Because San Antonio was up five with 28 seconds to go, and the finals are technically a television show, the league was preparing for a Spurs ceremony. They had the trophy courtside, ready for Popovich and company to hoist it for the fifth time in franchise history. There were yellow ropes being brought up so the league could section off the court for only the most necessary people to cover the ceremony. Allen didn't like that. He hit the shot and yelled to get 'those motherf— ropes out of here.' He and the Heat weren't done yet. Moments like this showed why the Heat wanted Allen on the team. It's one of the greatest clutch moments ever. If he doesn't make that shot, maybe the Heat's core would've broken up that summer instead of the following one. Even more scrutiny would have befallen that big three. Get those motherf— ropes off the court, please. Ray Allen still has business to tend to. Streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
Fox News
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Ex-NBA stars get into skirmish during BIG3 basketball game
The first day of the new-look BIG3 basketball league saw several former NBA stars go to battle during a game between the LA Riot and the Miami 305. Dwight Howard, of the Riot, and Lance Stephenson, of the 305, got into a scrap on Saturday during on the season-opening matchups. The two players were near the basket when video posted to social media showed Howard shoving Stephenson. Howard then tried to get Stephenson into a headlock as the former NBA guard pushed him backward. The brouhaha continued down the baseline and then into the stands. The two players needed to be peeled off of each from by teammates and officials. The 305 ended up with a victory over the Riot, 50-44. Stephenson led Miami with 16 points and Howard had 10 points and seven rebounds for LA. Howard is a Basketball Hall of Famer who was the No. 1 overall pick of the Orlando Magic in 2004. He dominated the game with the Magic and helped the team to an NBA Finals appearance – only to lose to the Kobe Bryant-led Los Angeles Lakers in 2009. Howard was with the Lakers during the 2019-20 season when the team won the title in the COVID bubble. He also played for the Houston Rockets, Atlanta Falcons, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers. Stephenson was a second-round draft pick of the Indiana Pacers in 2010. He spent time with the Hornets, Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks and New Orleans Pelicans. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Forbes
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Why NBA Star Dwight Howard Joined Ice Cube's BIG3 League
Dwight Howard goes against Reggie Evans during the Hall of Famer's BIG3 debut. Dwight Howard exited his first BIG3 game in dramatic fashion. 'Quite a debut,' Howard shared exclusively. Howard got in a fight with Lance Stephenson late in the second half of the opening game of the eighth season of Ice Cube's three-on-three basketball league. The former NBA players wrestled with each other near the baseline, eventually cascading into a VIP seating section. Both were thrown out of the game. The fight occurred after Howard was boxing out Stephenson. 'He kind of put his hand up like he was going to throw a punch, and I was going to block it,' Howard said. 'Then he did it again. So I'm like, All right now. You can't keep acting like you're going to throw punches in my face. It's a little respect.' Afterward, Howard's phone blew up with calls, including one from his crying mother, who he placated. With the game being nationally televised on CBS, clips of the fight went viral. 'He added some spice to the game,' Ice Cube exclusively shared. 'Welcome to the BIG3.' It was an attention-getting debut and one that the hip-hop star and BIG3 co-founder had long awaited. Ice Cube had called and texted Howard, who last played in the NBA in 2022, for a couple of years, telling him that he'd have fun and they'd treat him like the star he is. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, Howard is just the third Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer to play in the BIG3, joining Chauncey Billups and Allen Iverson, though the latter barely played. It wasn't just Ice Cube who tried to land the eight-time NBA All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year. BIG3 head of player operations Thomas Scott, the son of Los Angeles Lakers legend Byron Scott; former NBA veteran Dion Glover, who is from Atlanta like Howard, and Hall of Famer/BIG3 commissioner Clyde Drexler also reached out. 'It was a team effort,' Ice Cube said. The effort succeeded in 2025 because Howard finally has finished playing internationally for the Taiwan Mustangs. 'This year is just perfect timing,' he said. 'I've graduated from five-on-five. It's only three-on-three for me now.' Though Howard is no longer playing in Taiwan, he has a significant stake in international play. He owns both a league (The Asian Tournament) and team (Macau Black Bears), which has both an A and B squad. 'I want guys to have more opportunities to play,' Howard said. 'The NBA is not the only place you can play basketball at a high level.' The Asian Tournament is also not the only entrepreneurial venture for Howard. He hosts the Above the Rim with DH12 podcast. Featuring 32 episodes since it debuted in 2024, he interviews athletes and hopes to expand to more entertainers. 'Everything has always been about basketball with me for the past 20 years. I want to talk about things above basketball. We still talk about basketball, but there's so much other things in life,' he said. 'It was a great opportunity to really just expand my fanbase and get people a chance to see me outside basketball.' Michael Beasley, who is known for talking trash, engages with Dwight Howard during Week One of the ... More BIG3. On the court Howard started and played about half of the game, recording 10 points and seven rebounds. All but two of his points came from the free-throw line. The constant fouls demonstrate how much contact there was in the game. 'My first time playing, I didn't understand the physicality,' he said. 'Now that I see it, now I can adjust and get ready for the next game.' Howard was often going against Reggie Evans, who is known for his bruising play, in addition to Stephenson. Stephenson spent 10 years in the NBA, and Howard played for 18. 'I have nothing but love for Lance. We've been knowing each other for a long time,' Howard said. 'Whatever happens on the court, we should leave it there.' Indeed, Howard seemed to be in a good mood after the game and embraced being an ambassador of his new league, engaging with fans and posing for selfies hours after the Miami 305 defeated his LA Riot squad 50-44 at Allstate Arena in Chicago. Now that he's back playing stateside, will this be a one-year stint in the BIG3? 'We'll see how it goes, but I'm happy and excited to play,' Howard said. 'I love Cube, and I'm thankful for this opportunity.'
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dwight Howard Wouldn't Give LeBron James The Ball Late In The Game: "I'm Going To Give It To Kobe"
Dwight Howard Wouldn't Give LeBron James The Ball Late In The Game: "I'm Going To Give It To Kobe" originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Former NBA star Dwight Howard is among the few to have gotten the opportunity to be a teammate of both LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. So, when Howard appeared on the Club 520 Podcast, he was unsurprisingly asked who he considers to be the better player between James and Bryant. Advertisement "Everything combined, you got to give it to LeBron," Howard said. "Scoring-wise, I got to say I like Kobe. If it's late in the game, I'm giving the ball to Kobe. I'm not going to give the ball to LeBron late in the game. I'm going to give it to Kobe." Howard believes James is the better player, but considers Bryant to be more clutch than him. He isn't the first to give this take, and won't be the last. James has had a reputation for not being a clutch player, primarily because he often passes the ball rather than taking the last shot. The 40-year-old has always insisted on making the right play in those situations, and that has led to this narrative about him being scared of the big moments being formed. The fact of the matter, though, is that he has delivered in those moments fairly often. James has made eight go-ahead or game-tying shots in the final five seconds of a playoff game. That's more than anyone else since 1997, and he has been relatively efficient, too, shooting 40%. As for Bryant, he went 4-18 (22.2%). Advertisement James and Bryant are also tied when it comes to game-winning buzzer-beaters with eight each in their careers. Only Michael Jordan (nine) has hit more. These numbers make it pretty apparent James is an incredible clutch performer, but he's never going to get the respect he deserves for that. Howard did name him as the better player of the two, at least, and the resume shows that, too. James has won four titles, four Finals MVPs, four MVPs, a scoring title, and an assists title. He is the NBA's all-time leading scorer and has made 21 All-Star, 21 All-NBA, and six All-Defensive teams. Bryant, meanwhile, won five titles, two Finals MVPs, one MVP, and two scoring titles. He also made 18 All-Star, 15 All-NBA, and 12 All-Defensive teams. Dwight Howard On The Difference Between LeBron James And Kobe Bryant's Leadership Styles Howard played alongside James and Bryant on the Los Angeles Lakers. He was with the former for two seasons (2019-20 and 2021-22) and with the latter for one (2012-13). During an appearance on the My Expert Opinion Show, Howard explained the difference between James and Bryant as locker room leaders. Advertisement 'LeBron's almost act like somebody from the south side of Georgia. We actin' kind of like twins. Joking, (being) silly, having a good time. We get on the court, we still gonna have a good time, but we're gonna dominate. Kobe, he not bulls***ing with nobody. He might not come to the locker room to talk, so he's just gonna walk all the way past us." That's pretty much in line with their personalities. This was why Bryant ended up rubbing some of his teammates the wrong way. He was aloof and wasn't interested in being friends with anybody. James, on the other hand, didn't mind having some fun and built a more friendly environment. Related: Dwight Howard Explains The Biggest Differences Between Kobe Bryant And LeBron James This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
