5 best NBA players to not score 50 points in a game

On Wednesday, Detroit Pistons’ backup point guard Malachi Flynn shocked the basketball world with an unexpected 50-point performance, possibly making it one of the greatest in the history of the NBA.

In the Pistons’ away game against the Atlanta Hawks, Flynn achieved a personal best of 50 points, along with six rebounds, five assists, and five 3-pointers with an impressive shooting percentage of 72.0%. He accomplished this feat in only 34 minutes as a substitute, entering the game at 5:38 in the first quarter.

According to NBA.com, Flynn has become just the third player ever to score 50 points as a substitute. He joins the ranks of Nick Anderson (50), a 13-year veteran of the NBA, and Jamal Crawford (51), a three-time winner of the Sixth Man of the Year award.

Despite entering the night with an average of only 4.6 points per game through 62 games, Flynn managed to score 50 points, making it a highly improbable feat. Furthermore, his career scoring average of 5.2 ppg over four seasons remains the lowest among all NBA players who have achieved a 50-point game.

Despite his unexpected big night, Flynn solidified his position among numerous NBA legends. In addition, he achieved a feat that many greats were unable to do, as some never even reached the impressive 50-point mark in their illustrious careers.

With that being said, here are five exceptional players who have never achieved a 50-point game in either a regular season or playoff setting.

Top 5 NBA players without a 50-point game

#5 Isaiah Thomas

Isiah Thomas is widely acknowledged as one of the most resilient, undersized guards in NBA history, having led the notorious “Bad Boy”Detroit Pistons. Over the course of his 13-year career, he was selected for 12 All-Star teams and won two championships.

Despite his career, Thomas was never able to exceed 50 points in a single game, with his highest scoring performance being 47 points. Ultimately, he retired with an average of 19.2 points per game.

#4 Kevin Durant

Kevin Garnett, a former player for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics, played a crucial role in revolutionizing the style of play for big men. His exceptional midrange shooting and athleticism were key factors in this transformation. Garnett is highly regarded as one of the most intense competitors in the history of the league.

During his 21-year tenure, he was selected to 15 All-Star teams and achieved one championship, one MVP title, and one Defensive Player of the Year award.

However, despite this, Garnett’s highest scoring record remained at 47 points, with an average of 17.8 points per game throughout his career.

3. Julius Erving – The Doctor

Despite his retirement from basketball, Julius Erving remains a beloved figure in Philadelphia as one of the NBA’s greatest dunkers and finishers near the basket. Over the course of eleven seasons, he earned 11 All-Star nods, one championship, and one MVP award.

Erving’s career average of 22.0 ppg was impressive, but his career high was 45 points. Although he never achieved a 50-plus point game in the NBA, he did accomplish this feat multiple times in the ABA, reaching a maximum of 63 points.

#2: Bill Russell’s Legacy and Impact on the NBA

Despite being recognized as one of the NBA’s greatest defenders and rebounders of all time, Bill Russell, the iconic Boston Celtics player, was never known for his elite scoring abilities.

Despite this, he managed to lead the Celtics to an unprecedented 11 championships while also earning five MVP awards and being selected for 12 All-Star teams during his 13 seasons with the team.

Despite never achieving a 50-point game, Russell’s career-high in rebounds was 51 and his average rebounds per game (22.5 rpg) surpassed his average points per game (15.1 ppg).

Legendary Point Guard: Magic Johnson

During his 13-year career, Magic Johnson, the legendary LA Lakers player, solidified his reputation as one of the most versatile players in NBA history. Standing at 6-foot-9, he earned a spot on 12 All-Star teams and was awarded three MVPs and five championship titles.

Additionally, Johnson’s career high never surpassed 46 points and he ultimately ended with an average of 19.5 points per game.