Malachi Flynn scored 50 points off the bench in Pistons loss, setting franchise reserve scoring record

If you didn't think the Pistons' season could get any weirder, Malachi Flynn scored 50 points in a 121-113 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.

Flynn's 50th ball is the most by a bench player and the eighth-most by any player in Detroit history. It's also the second-most points by a bench player in NBA history (tied with Nick Anderson's 50 points in 1993), behind Jamal Crawford's 51-point game against Dallas in 2019.

Flynn, who averaged 5.2 points per game during his career, has the lowest scoring average of any 50-point player in NBA history.

“It's hard to put (in perspective) because you want to win. But it definitely feels good,” Flynn said after the game. “I think in a couple of days I'll be able to put it into perspective.”

Flynn added that this was his first 50-point game at any level of basketball.

“I almost did it in high school. I was 49 and my coach pulled me out. I still have a grudge,” he said.

Flynn, who was acquired by the Pistons at the NBA trade deadline, had a previous career-high of 27 points.

The 25-year-old guard, who is generously listed as 6-foot-1, was selected in the first round in 2020. He joins the likes of Corey Brewer, Sadiq Bey and Tony Delk as mystery players to make the prestigious 50 list. Point Club.

With Cade Cunningham out and Jaden Ivey struggling, Flynn played 34 minutes and was 18 of 25 from the field in Detroit's loss.

“He's just working on his game. He's in the gym every morning, about an hour before practice, maybe more,” Pistons coach Monty Williams said. “I saw that tonight.”

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(Photo: Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)