Detroit Pistons Guard Joins Former NBA All-Star in Rare Company

Detroit Pistons guard Malachi Flynn made franchise history on Wednesday.

Apr 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malachi Flynn (14) goes to the basket past / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

One of the biggest stories in the NBA Wednesday night was Malachi Flynn’s performance against the Atlanta Hawks. The Detroit Pistons guard erupted for 50 points off the bench, albeit in a losing effort. This record-setting performance was not enough to get the Pistons in the win column, as they fell by a final score of 121-113.

Flynn saw extended minutes with Cade Cunningham out and made the most of his opportunity. Along with setting a new career-high in points, the Pistons guard also notched six rebounds, five assists, and three steals against the Hawks.

With his performance, Flynn put himself in the NBA and Pistons history books. He became just the third player ever to have a 50-point game off the bench. The 25-year-old also set the record for the lowest career PPG by a player to score 50 in a game.

As for Pistons’ history, Flynn is only the second player to record at least 50-5-5 in a game. The other player, former All-Star forward Blake Griffin. Back in 2018, Griffin recorded 50 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists in a win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

After starting his career with the LA Clippers, the Pistons made a big splash by trading for Griffin during the 2017-18 season. Among the main pieces sent out in the deal were Tobias Harris and veteran guard Avery Bradley.

Griffin would go on to play in 138 games for the Pistons across four seasons. During that stretch, he would receive one All-Star nomination and average 20.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, and 5.0 APG.

Towards the end of the 2021 season, the Pistons ultimately made the decision to waive Griffin and let him pursue a chance to contend for a championship.