Malik Beasley has always been confident. But after Game 6 against the Knicks, that confidence came across as something else: disrespect. Not to New York. Not to his own teammates. But to the greatest shooter the game has ever seen.

It was a moment that felt small—and yet massive. The Pistons were 4.3 seconds from forcing overtime. Jalen Brunson had just buried them with a go-ahead three. Cade Cunningham drove up, ball in hand, defenders trailing. And there he was: Malik Beasley, drifting right, open on the wing. The kind of moment that turns role players into legends.

And then—fumble. The pass slipped through his fingers. Season over. What came next, however, would light NBA Twitter on fire. “[Ausar Thompson] is the best defender in the world. I’m the best shooter in the world,” Beasley said at the post-game podium. “I feel like I should’ve gotten that shot on the last possession.”

This—after Stephen Curry had just wrapped up another elite campaign: 44.8% shooting from the field, nearly 40% from three, third in threes per game at age 37. This—while Curry still holds the all-time record for three-pointers made and walked off the Olympic stage last summer with the “Golden Dagger” that secured gold for Team USA. This—when Curry has changed the geometry of basketball itself.

Beasley’s claim, however unintentionally, triggered the basketball internet not just because of what he said, but when he said it. The Pistons were moments removed from heartbreak. Beasley had just dropped the ball—literally. And now here he was, proclaiming himself the best marksman in the game.

Sure, he hit 319 threes this season—just one shy of league leader Anthony Edwards—and posted a career-best 41.6% from deep. But context matters. He had 18 in the first half, looked like a game-changer, and then went ice-cold in the second. When the moment came to prove the claim, the handle failed him.

And the fans? They spoke up immediately.

“I’m the best shooter in the world.” And then he dropped the ball …

The jokes were instant, and they were brutal. “Well he’s clearly not the best catcher in the world lol,” one fan wrote, zooming in on the final play. Beasley fumbled what looked like a routine pass—a moment that reminded many of Gary Trent Jr.’s blunder earlier this week.

Another chimed in: “7th man on a team, best shooter wild.” It’s a dig that may sting, but it taps into a larger truth. Beasley isn’t just fighting other shooters—he’s fighting legacy.

“Best shooter in the 🌎, gotta watch from home is absurd 😆😅,” one fan posted, echoing the sentiment many felt. The timing of the comment—moments after elimination—was the perfect storm for internet flame.

Meanwhile, Thompson didn’t escape the blast radius either. “Best defender went skating,” another quipped, referencing Brunson’s ice-cold game-winner. Even Beasley’s praise for Ausar became meme fodder.

“Bro’s tryna make himself look better so they cut him for that last play,” read one comment, alluding to the perception that Beasley was angling for absolution. But not all takes were pure comedy. One post struck a nerve: “To be confident and NOT delusional, is a real skill.” It’s a reminder that NBA greatness comes with a price—accountability.

Still, it’s unfair to let one mistake define a season, especially this season. Beasley, signed for just $6 million, helped fuel a Pistons resurgence that tripled their win total. He hit clutch shots all year. He shimmed, he sparked, he lifted spirits. And Game 6? He tied the half on a buzzer-beater three that reminded everyone why he matters.

And Beasley, to his credit, didn’t hide. “Catch the ball, make a three. What else?” he said bluntly. The regret was clear. So was the pride. Malik wants to stay in Detroit. It’s his mother’s hometown. It’s where he found joy. It’s where he wants redemption. And maybe that’s what this really is: a missed moment, not a final one. The Pistons will be back. And if Beasley is, too, this won’t be the headline that defines him.

As one fan put it best: “Steph dropped the mic. Malik dropped the ball. But hey, both still shoot their shot.” Stay tuned. The internet won’t let this go—but neither will Malik Beasley!