Detroit Pistons backup point guard Malachi Flynn had an extraordinary 50-point performance in Wednesday night’s 121-113 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
It was the third game with 50 points or more by a bench player since the rookies first kept track in 1970-71. Jamal Crawford had 51 for the Phoenix Suns in a 2019 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, and Nick Anderson had 50 for the Orlando Magic in a 1993 win over the New Jersey Nets.
“Right now, it’s tough because at the end of the day, you want to win,” Flynn said. “But it feels good to take it this time. I’m sure after a few days, it will feel much better.”
The 50 points were a Pistons franchise record for a reserve and also a career high for Flynn.
Flynn, whose previous career high was 27, was 18-for-25 from the floor and 9-for-12 at the line. He also had a season-high 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals in 34 minutes.
Flynn’s career average of 5.2 points entering Wednesday was the lowest 50-point game in NBA history, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. He became the first player off the bench to record 50 points and 70% shooting since tracking starters and reserves began.
The Hawks built a 59-50 halftime lead, but whenever they started to pull away, Flynn helped the Pistons fight back with buckets from all over the floor.
“He was making contested balls and he got to the foul line, which got him going,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said. “We tried to attack him more and influence him, and he still made plays. He played really well.”
The Pistons got within five late in the fourth quarter but couldn’t get any closer as Atlanta clinched the Eastern Conference playoff race.
The Pistons have lost 10 of their last 11 games.
Starting point guard Cade Cunningham suffered a left knee injury after initially being listed in the lineup. Jaden Evie took his place among the starters.
ESPN Stats & Info and The Associated Press contributed to this report.