In a moment that’s equal parts hilarious and intense, Chicago Bulls guard Collin Sexton let his frustrations boil over during Monday night’s game against the Brooklyn Nets. With the Bulls trailing and every point counting, Sexton found himself at the free-throw line late in the third quarter—only to miss the first shot. He drained the second, but that wasn’t enough to quell his anger. In a wild gesture caught on camera, Sexton flipped off the rim with his middle finger, as if blaming the hoop itself for his miss.
The incident occurred with 1:31 remaining in the third quarter at Barclays Center, during a game the Bulls ultimately lost 123-115. Sexton, who’s been fighting for minutes in a crowded Bulls backcourt, finished the night with 21 points on 6-of-17 shooting from the field and 6-of-8 from the line. His output was the second-highest on the team, trailing only Anfernee Simons’ 23 points. Despite the solid scoring, Sexton’s inefficiency highlighted the struggles he’s facing as he adapts to his new role in Chicago.
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Sexton, acquired by the Bulls in a trade deadline deal that sent Coby White and Mike Conley to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Sexton and Ousmane Dieng, is in the final year of his contract. This makes every performance an audition—not just for playing time under head coach Billy Donovan, but for his future in the league. The Bulls’ backcourt is stacked after a flurry of moves, and Sexton is determined to stand out, replacing White as a key contributor. His intensity is undeniable; as one source put it, he’s “fired up” and not cutting himself any slack for mistakes.
This season, Sexton is averaging 14.4 points and 3.7 assists, bringing energy off the bench that could make him a valuable asset for a contending team. But with Chicago’s guard logjam—including talents like Simons and others—it’s uncertain if the Bulls will re-sign him. His passionate playstyle, exemplified by moments like this rim-flipping outburst, shows he’s got the fire to succeed, but it might lead him elsewhere next season.
The video of the gesture quickly went viral on social media, with fans and analysts alike chuckling at Sexton’s “beef with the rim.” One X post from ClutchPoints captured the clip, garnering thousands of views and reactions ranging from laughter to admiration for his competitive spirit. While it’s a lighthearted moment in a tough loss, it underscores Sexton’s no-nonsense approach on the court.
As the Bulls continue their push in the Eastern Conference, keep an eye on Sexton. If this is how he handles a missed free throw, imagine what he’ll do when the stakes are even higher.