Collin Sexton, recently traded to the Chicago Bulls, found himself locked in a tense moment with the basketball hoop during Monday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets. When Sexton missed his first free throw, his visible frustration led to a brief but bold gesture directed at the rim, which quickly captured attention online. Despite the tension, he made the second shot and continued to compete hard throughout the game.
Details of the Incident and Its Immediate Aftermath
The incident happened late in the third quarter when Sexton’s missed free throw seemed to ignite his annoyance. After successfully landing the follow-up attempt, he appeared to flip off the basket before the moment faded as quickly as it came. The brief display of emotion was enough to spark widespread reaction on social media, with the clip going viral almost immediately.
Though visibly frustrated, Sexton maintained a solid presence on the floor, concluding the contest with 21 points, five rebounds, one assist, and one steal. The Bulls ultimately fell 123-115 to the Nets, but Sexton’s performance showed his continued competitiveness despite the momentary lapse in composure.
Player’s Response and League Reaction
After the game, Sexton acknowledged his frustration in a brief comment to The Athletic, saying,
“Aw, man, (I’m saying) a lot of things.”
There has been no indication of disciplinary action from the league, as the referees did not issue a technical foul during the game. Fans on social media reacted strongly to the incident, with many appreciating Sexton’s raw emotion, while others joked about the hoop needing emotional support.
Context of Sexton’s New Role with the Bulls
Collin Sexton joined the Chicago Bulls last week after being traded by the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for guards Coby White and Mike Conley Jr. Known for his intense style of play, the former lottery pick is already making an impact in Chicago. His passion on the court, even shown in moments like this rim flip, suggests he intends to play with energy and fight through adversity for his new team.
Collin Sexton misses the first free throw, stares at the hoop, makes the 2nd, and flipping off the hoop
LOL pic.twitter.com/SvlwFVY9e6
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) February 10, 2026
