Malachi Flynn, a relatively unknown player in the NBA, shocked fans and analysts alike when he scored 50 points in a game against the Atlanta Hawks while playing for the Detroit Pistons. This incredible performance tied Flynn for the second-most points scored off the bench in NBA history, trailing only Jamal Crawford’s 51-point game in 2019. Flynn’s stat line included impressive shooting numbers, with 18-of-25 from the field and 5-of-9 from three-point range, as well as contributing six rebounds, five assists, and four steals in just 34 minutes of playing time. Despite his historic performance, the Pistons ultimately fell to the Hawks with a final score of 121-113.
Prior to his breakout game, Malachi Flynn was a little-known player who struggled to establish himself as a consistent starter in the league. Drafted 29th overall by the Toronto Raptors in 2020, Flynn’s career had been marked by limited playing time and modest scoring averages. Coming into the game, his career high was 27 points, making his 50-point outburst even more surprising. Throughout his time in the NBA, Flynn has only averaged 12.3 minutes per game, having played for the Raptors and the New York Knicks before landing with the Pistons in a trade for Bojan Bogdanović. It is clear that Flynn’s performance on Wednesday was a significant outlier compared to his usual output on the court.
The fact that Malachi Flynn scored nearly 15% of his total points for the season in a single game speaks to the rarity and significance of his 50-point performance. This breakout game also accounted for over 4% of his entire career points, highlighting the magnitude of his accomplishment. Flynn’s scoring prowess on Wednesday undoubtedly caught the attention of fans, analysts, and fellow players around the league, with many marveling at his sudden offensive explosion. Despite his relative obscurity prior to this game, Flynn’s name quickly became a hot topic in NBA circles following his stellar performance off the bench.
Even within the Pistons organization, no player had come close to reaching the 50-point mark this season before Flynn’s explosion. Cade Cunningham, a highly touted rookie and first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, had the closest performance with 43 points earlier in the season. Flynn’s achievement not only set a new benchmark for scoring in a game for his team but also underscored his potential as a player who could deliver when given the opportunity. His impressive all-around performance, including rebounds, assists, and steals, further solidified his impact on the court and demonstrated his versatility as a player capable of contributing in multiple facets of the game.
In the grand scheme of NBA history, Malachi Flynn’s 50-point game off the bench will undoubtedly be remembered as a standout moment in his career. Joining the ranks of elite players who have achieved similar feats, Flynn now holds a place in the record books alongside renowned scorers like Jamal Crawford. While his journey in the league has been marked by ups and downs, this performance serves as a reminder of his potential and ability to rise to the occasion when given the opportunity. As fans and analysts alike reflect on the historic nature of Flynn’s accomplishment, one thing remains clear – on that fateful Wednesday night, Malachi Flynn etched his name in NBA history with an unforgettable performance that will be remembered for years to come.
