Detroit Pistons reserve point guard Malachi Flynn had a standout performance on Wednesday night, scoring 50 points in a 121-113 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. This remarkable feat marked just the third time in NBA history that a player off the bench has scored 50 points or more since starters were first tracked in the 1970-71 season.
Flynn expressed mixed emotions about his achievement, stating, 'Right now, it's tough because at the end of the day, you want to win. But it does feel good to kind of take in the moment. I'm sure a couple of days from now, it will feel really good.'
Setting a new franchise record for the Pistons, Flynn's 50-point performance also served as a career high for the young guard. He shot an impressive 18-for-25 from the field and 9-for-12 from the free-throw line, showcasing his scoring prowess.
In addition to his scoring outburst, Flynn contributed across the board with six rebounds, five assists, and five steals in 34 minutes of play. Notably, his career scoring average of 5.2 points prior to this game was the lowest in NBA history for a player achieving a 50-point game.
The Atlanta Hawks managed to secure a halftime lead of 59-50, but Flynn's offensive firepower kept the Pistons in contention throughout the game. Despite his stellar performance, the Pistons fell short, ultimately losing to the Hawks.
With this loss, the Pistons have now dropped 10 of their last 11 games, highlighting the team's struggles this season. The absence of starting point guard Cade Cunningham, who was sidelined with a left knee injury, further compounded Detroit's challenges.
Despite the defeat, Flynn's historic performance will be remembered as a standout moment in his career and a bright spot for the Pistons in an otherwise difficult season.
