Addition Financial Arena, Orlando, FL, August 24, 2025
News Summary
Dwight Howard is back in Orlando for the BIG3 All-Star Game at Addition Financial Arena. Fans can enjoy an afternoon of basketball with Howard joining fellow former NBA players in a competitive showdown. The event kicks off at 2 p.m. with a match between Team BIG and Team 3, followed by the championship game featuring Miami 305 against Chicago Triplets at 3 p.m., both televised nationally.
Orlando — Dwight Howard Back in Town for BIG3 All-Star Weekend
Big names, big personalities, and a little bit of that competitive shine you get on the back nine
Golf fans know about reading the green, picking the right club, and managing momentum. This Sunday, basketball fans — and anyone who loves a good showdown — get a similar kind of drama when Dwight Howard returns to Orlando for the BIG3 All-Star Game at Addition Financial Arena. The event tees off in the afternoon with the All-Star matchup at 2 p.m., followed by the BIG3 championship game at 3 p.m., both airing nationally on broadcast television.
Think of this like a pro-am where the stakes are real and the shots are loud. Howard, once a dominant force during his prime with the Orlando Magic and already enshrined in their Hall of Fame earlier in 2025, will lace up with fellow Magic alumni Earl Clark and Jonathon Simmons, plus former NBA vets Corey Brewer and Jeremy Pargo. This crew forms Team BIG, which will be guided on the sidelines by coach Nancy Lieberman.
On the other tee is Team 3, coached by Nick Young, featuring players who can change a game in a hurry: Greg Monroe, DeShawn Stephens, Jordan Crawford, Glen Rice Jr., and Frank Nitty. That lineup reads like a tricky closing nine — you have to respect the length, the angles, and the short-game craft.
Championship on the line after the All-Star show
After the All-Star players wrap up, the afternoon continues with the BIG3 championship game at 3 p.m. It’s a heavyweight match between Miami 305 and Chicago Triplets. The Triplets, under the direction of basketball legend Julius Erving, bring a squad that includes Amir Johnson, Montrezl Harrell, Brandon Moss, Chris Allen, and Nasir Core.
On the opposite side, Miami 305 — coached by Michael Cooper — counters with a veteran-packed roster featuring Lance Stephenson, Michael Beasley, Mario Chalmers, Reggie Evans, and Sean Williams. Think of it as a long par-five where the shape of the holes changes with every possession.
Why this matters — even if you’re a golf nut
If you follow golf, you’ll appreciate the strategic side of team matchups and momentum swings. The BIG3 format rewards quick reads, bold plays, and the ability to recover after a costly mistake — very much like sinking a clutch putt to save par. Dwight Howard’s presence is the equivalent of a tour-level player arriving at a tournament to challenge the field: he brings history, size, and a veteran mind for positioning. His career includes a string of accomplishments that read like a long resume on the clubhouse wall: eight-time All-Star, five seasons leading the league in rebounds, and three straight Defensive Player of the Year awards during his prime.
Howard hasn’t been a fixture in the NBA lately; his last NBA season was 2021–22 with the Los Angeles Lakers. Since then, he’s hinted on social media that he’s keen to keep competing, and the BIG3 stage gives him that competitive outlet. Ice Cube, who helped found the BIG3, framed this Orlando stop as a reward for teams and a celebration for the players who reached the All-Star stage — basically, the tournament’s version of handing out trophies at the 19th hole.
What to watch for
- Howard’s role: Can he control the paint the way he used to? Matchups and rebounds will be key.
- Coaching chess: Nancy Lieberman and Nick Young bring different looks; small adjustments could swing momentum quickly.
- Championship tilt: Miami 305 vs. Chicago Triplets is a contrast in styles and experience, much like pairing a strategic iron player with a power bomber on the final stretch.
Final note from the clubhouse
For fans who love the pulse of competition and the drama that follows big names, this Orlando stop is a tidy, entertaining package. Whether you’re tuning in for Howard’s return or for a Sunday afternoon of high-energy play, the BIG3 All-Star slate feels like a weekend exhibition where every moment can turn into highlight-reel material.
FAQ
When and where is the BIG3 All-Star Game?
The All-Star Game is in Orlando at Addition Financial Arena on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Who is playing on Team BIG?
Team BIG features Dwight Howard, Earl Clark, Jonathon Simmons, Corey Brewer, and Jeremy Pargo, coached by Nancy Lieberman.
Who is on Team 3?
Team 3 includes Greg Monroe, DeShawn Stephens, Jordan Crawford, Glen Rice Jr., and Frank Nitty, coached by Nick Young.
When is the BIG3 championship game and who is playing?
The championship game follows the All-Star Game at 3 p.m., with Miami 305 coached by Michael Cooper facing the Chicago Triplets coached by Julius Erving.
How can I watch?
Both the All-Star Game and the championship are being televised nationally on broadcast television Sunday afternoon.
What’s notable about Dwight Howard’s background?
Howard is an eight-time All-Star, led the league in rebounds five seasons, won three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards during his prime, last played in the NBA in 2021–22, and was inducted into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame earlier in 2025.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Addition Financial Arena, Orlando, FL |
| All-Star Game | Sunday, 2 p.m. — Team BIG vs. Team 3 |
| All-Star Teams | Team BIG: Dwight Howard, Earl Clark, Jonathon Simmons, Corey Brewer, Jeremy Pargo. Team 3: Greg Monroe, DeShawn Stephens, Jordan Crawford, Glen Rice Jr., Frank Nitty. |
| Coaches | Team BIG coached by Nancy Lieberman. Team 3 coached by Nick Young. |
| Championship Game | Sunday, 3 p.m. — Miami 305 vs. Chicago Triplets |
| Championship Rosters | Miami 305: Lance Stephenson, Michael Beasley, Mario Chalmers, Reggie Evans, Sean Williams. Chicago Triplets: Amir Johnson, Montrezl Harrell, Brandon Moss, Chris Allen, Nasir Core. |
| Broadcast | Televised nationally on broadcast television |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Orlando Sentinel: Dwight Howard Back in Town for BIG3 All-Star Weekend
- Sports Illustrated: Dwight Howard’s Comment About Basketball Future
- Mundo Deportivo: Shaquille O’Neal’s BIG3 Dream Team
- Bleacher Report: Michael Beasley Named 2025 BIG3 MVP
- Black Enterprise: Dwight Howard in BIG3
- Wikipedia: Dwight Howard
- Google Search: BIG3 Basketball
- Google Scholar: Dwight Howard
- Encyclopedia Britannica: BIG3 Basketball
- Google News: Dwight Howard BIG3
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