You're a Genius

The Pelicans' first game after the All-Star Game was against the Suns.

The Suns had basically given up on this season and were now focused on developing Porzingis.

They did not cause the Pelicans much trouble in this game either.

By the end of the third quarter, the margin had exceeded 20 points, turning the entire final quarter into Garbage Time.

The outcome was never in doubt, but some fans noticed that Tang Tian had put up a 20-point, 11-assist Double-Double in just three quarters.

Tang Tian's Passing Ability was decent, but he was by no means a passing master. Most of his previous assists had come from drawing double teams with his powerful individual offense and then dishing the ball out.

Sharp-eyed fans online noticed that Tang Tian's passing vision and accuracy had both been better than before in this game.

But only a small number of fans noticed it. After all, an assist Double-Double was not a big deal for Tang Tian, especially against a weak Suns team.

Compared with those fans, though, the Pelicans players were the ones truly surprised.

After an easy big victory and a game where they could clock out after three quarters, Tang Tian stayed behind at the arena alone after the game to work on passing drills with Nash's help.

Stevens was surprised as well, but he felt even more gratified.

Tang Tian had put up a Double-Double in three quarters, led the team to a big victory, and still held himself to such high standards after the game.

With the Team Core setting that kind of example, it would be hard for this team not to win.

But they had misunderstood Tang Tian this time.

Tang Tian had acquired a new skill and was using games as practice. After one game,