Tang Tian Breaks the All-Star Fan Favorite Vote Record

The Pelicans had won 11 straight, bringing their record to a terrifying 36-1!

As mid-January arrived, people realized for the first time that the Pelicans actually had a chance to challenge the best Regular Season record in history!

The best Regular Season record in NBA history was 72-10, set by the Bulls in the 1995-1996 season.

Jordan had returned from retirement two years later and was still in scorching form. Pippen had also grown into a superstar, and with Rodman in the mix, the Bulls were nearly invincible at the time.

Fans knew how strong that Bulls team was before it even took the court.

But the Pelicans' current performance was every bit as unexpected as ESPN ranking them first and getting mocked by fans for it. No one had seen this coming.

Cole's 67 wins in his first season as a coach last year had already been stunning, but Stevens' first season with the Pelicans was even more shocking!

The Pelicans continued their charge.

On January 17, against the Jazz, the Jazz fought tenaciously and stayed neck and neck with the Pelicans into the Fourth Quarter. Tang Tian and Davis then joined forces for a decisive run to finish the game.

Tang Tian scored 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists, while Davis put up 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks.

On January 20, against the Clippers, the Clippers were in red-hot form and battled the Pelicans until the very last moment.

Louis Williams scored 30 points by himself, including a Three-pointer in the closing moments that sent the game into overtime.

But in overtime, Tang Tian took over with 10 points of his own, and the Pelicans ultimately prevailed.

Tang Tian posted his first 30+ points game since returning, with 35 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists.