Stitches -- I Owe The Game a Big Thank You

Stitches says Game's crew may have knocked him out cold, but he's the real winner in their war.

The rapper went on "TMZ Live" Wednesday and told us the beef all started with a wonky tweet, that led to the violent nightclub confrontation ... which then led to more violence the next day.

Stitches may have gotten his ass kicked, but all the noise has made his star rise to new heights.

But ... he has an ominous warning for anyone who messes with him again.