Entering the fourth quarter, the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday trailed by 12 points versus the Atlanta Hawks but some late-game heroics by rookie Malachi Flynn nearly helped pull off an improbable win.
Flynn erupted for 15 points in the fourth quarter, including 12 straight in the final two minutes, to get the Raptors to within two points. However, Brandon Goodwin sank two free throws on the ensuing possession to help Hawks seal the 108-103 victory.
The 29th overall pick went 5-of-7 from 3-point range in the fourth quarter to bring the Raptors back to within striking distance. He would finish the contest with a career-high 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in his third career start.
“Tonight, he was pretty much our offense down the stretch,” Raptors head coach Nick Nurse said. “You kinda get to that point where you just say, ‘Well, we might as well go for it.’ He starts banging a couple and playing care-free and playing hard on the defensive end, too. It’s good experience for him.”
Holy Flynn pic.twitter.com/NfJgV7a81X
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 14, 2021
Flynn also hit a career-high six 3-pointers on Tuesday, which easily surpassed his previous high of three, set last week. He finally came up short with a heat-check moment in the closing seconds as the Hawks eked out the win.
The Raptors have turned to Flynn a bit more recently with injuries piling up. The 22-year-old has played more aggressively and that has resulted in some of his best performances of the season with Tuesday his finest to date after catching fire late.
The injuries have allowed the Raptors to get a closer look at Flynn and he has shown a glimpse of his potential. With Toronto hanging around in the playoff race, the final stretch of the season should be a good chance for him to gain some valuable playing time.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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