Emotions often run high in the NBA, especially for a player still adjusting to a new team and trying to help reverse a losing streak. On Monday night at the Barclays Center, however, frustration got the better of Collin Sexton — and it came with a price tag.
The NBA fined the Chicago Bulls guard $35,000 after he made an “inappropriate gesture” toward the basket during Chicago’s 123-115 loss to the Brooklyn Nets. The incident occurred late in the third quarter while Sexton was at the free-throw line. After missing his first attempt, Sexton converted the second. But instead of simply retreating on defense, he briefly looked at the rim and raised his left middle finger in visible frustration before jogging back up the court.
The moment was fleeting and did not disrupt play, but league standards regarding sportsmanship are clear. Even split-second displays of unsportsmanlike conduct are subject to discipline, and the NBA acted swiftly.
A Frustrating Night in Brooklyn
The fine adds another layer of frustration to what was already a difficult evening for Chicago. The Bulls dropped their fifth straight game and have now lost eight of their last nine contests. At 24-30, they are struggling to keep pace in a tightly contested Eastern Conference playoff race.
Sexton, who finished with 21 points and five rebounds, was one of Chicago’s more productive contributors in the loss. He shot 6-of-8 from the free-throw line and continued to display the aggressive scoring mentality that has defined much of his eight-year NBA career. Yet, his visible frustration underscored the mounting pressure surrounding a team that has not found consistency this season.
For Sexton, the Barclays Center incident came in just his second appearance with the Bulls. The 27-year-old guard was traded to Chicago ahead of last week’s trade deadline in a deal that sent Coby White to the Charlotte Hornets. The move signaled the Bulls’ intent to shake up their roster in hopes of reigniting a playoff push.
Adjusting to a new system, teammates, and expectations can be challenging, and emotions often intensify during that transitional period. Monday’s gesture, while brief, reflected both the competitive fire that fuels Sexton and the frustration of a team desperate for momentum.
The NBA’s Standard on Sportsmanship
The league has long maintained firm guidelines regarding conduct on the court. Gestures deemed inappropriate or unsportsmanlike — even when not directed at an opponent or official — are typically met with fines. While Sexton’s action was directed at the basket itself rather than a player, referee, or fan, the NBA’s code of conduct does not distinguish based on the target of the gesture.
From the league’s perspective, maintaining professionalism and setting a standard for younger fans and aspiring players is paramount. The $35,000 fine reinforces that message.
Though some may view the punishment as excessive for a moment that “didn’t impact the game whatsoever,” the NBA has consistently enforced similar penalties in the past. In a league where image and brand integrity are closely guarded, even spontaneous outbursts can carry financial consequences.
Sexton’s Season in Perspective
Despite the incident, Sexton’s overall performance this season has been solid. Now in his eighth year in the league, he has averaged 14.4 points and 3.7 assists while shooting better than 48% from the field. Known for his relentless drive to the basket and ability to score in bursts, Sexton has carved out a reputation as a reliable offensive contributor.
His 21-point performance against Brooklyn was in line with his season averages and demonstrated his ability to generate offense, particularly in transition and from the perimeter. The free-throw line, ironically the source of Monday’s frustration, has generally been a strength for him.
Chicago acquired Sexton with the hope that his energy and scoring punch could complement the team’s core and provide a spark during the stretch run. With the All-Star break approaching, the Bulls need exactly that kind of boost.
Bulls Facing Familiar Struggles
Unfortunately for Chicago, the bigger issue extends beyond one player’s emotional reaction. The Bulls’ recent slide has placed them in a precarious position. They have missed the playoffs in each of the last three seasons and are now in danger of extending that drought to four consecutive years.
Consistency has been elusive. Defensive lapses, late-game execution issues, and stretches of stagnant offense have plagued the team throughout the 2025-26 campaign. Monday’s loss to the Nets was emblematic of those struggles. Despite competitive stretches and solid individual performances, Chicago could not sustain enough momentum to secure a road win.
Their upcoming matchup against the Boston Celtics — the final game before the All-Star break — looms large. A victory could provide a psychological lift heading into the midseason pause. Another loss would deepen concerns about the team’s trajectory.
A League Filled With Storylines
Around the NBA, compelling narratives continue to unfold. Victor Wembanyama recently delivered a stunning performance, scoring 25 points in the first eight minutes of the San Antonio Spurs’ blowout win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Meanwhile, LeBron James was ruled out Tuesday against the Spurs, officially ending his unprecedented 21-year All-NBA streak — a milestone that underscores his remarkable longevity.
In that broader context, Sexton’s fine may ultimately prove to be a minor footnote in a season filled with dramatic performances and shifting storylines. Yet for the Bulls, every detail matters as they fight to stay relevant in the playoff conversation.
Emotional Competitor or Costly Misstep?
Sexton has never shied away from showing emotion. His intensity has been both a strength and, at times, a liability. Teammates often feed off that competitive energy, but the line between passion and penalty can be thin.
In this instance, the financial cost is clear. Whether the gesture serves as a wake-up call — for Sexton personally or for the Bulls collectively — remains to be seen.
Professional athletes operate under immense pressure. Missed shots, trade rumors, losing streaks, and playoff implications all compound in real time. While fans appreciate authenticity and emotion, the NBA expects composure.
For Sexton, the lesson is likely a simple one: channel the fire, but keep it within the boundaries of league standards.
Looking Ahead
As Chicago prepares for its final contest before the All-Star break, the focus will shift from fines to fundamentals. The Bulls must rediscover defensive discipline, improve ball movement, and convert scoring opportunities more consistently if they hope to climb back into playoff contention.
Sexton’s integration into the lineup will be a key factor. If he can continue to produce efficiently while maintaining composure, he may become the catalyst Chicago envisioned when they made the trade.
The $35,000 fine may sting, but in the long run, the greater concern is the standings. With a 24-30 record and the Eastern Conference growing increasingly competitive, time is not on the Bulls’ side.
Monday night’s moment at the free-throw line was brief. Its financial impact was immediate. Its broader significance may depend on what happens next.