56 Wins Regular Season Record
The season that proved New Orleans could compete with the West's elite.
The New Orleans Pelicans' record of 56 regular-season wins stands as the pinnacle of franchise success in their history, achieved during the 2018-2019 campaign. This milestone marked a transformative era for the team, shifting them from perennial lottery contenders to legitimate playoff threats and establishing a new standard for performance in the city.
- Season
- 2018–2019
- Record
- 56 Wins, 26 Losses
- Playoff Seed
- 4th in Western Conference
- Head Coach
- Alvin Gentry
- Key Leader
- Anthony Davis
- Franchise Context
- All-time single-season high
Lore & Background
The path to 56 wins was paved with resilience and depth. While Anthony Davis provided the star power, the team's ability to win on the road and secure crucial victories against top-tier opponents defined their success. The atmosphere in New Orleans changed as the team climbed the standings, turning a once-dormant fanbase into a vocal force that demanded excellence. This season remains the benchmark against which all future Pelicans teams are measured.
In Their Own Story
The arena hummed with a tension that had been absent for years. With seconds ticking down in a close game against a top-three team, Anthony Davis caught the ball at the elbow, his eyes locked on the rim. The crowd, clad in teal and gold, held its breath. As he rose for the jumper, the roar of the city seemed to surge through the hardwood floor. The swish of the net was followed by an eruption that echoed beyond the stadium walls—a reminder that this team had finally arrived.
Reader's Guide
The 56-win season is the defining achievement in Pelicans history, surpassing previous highs set during the franchise's early years as the Hornets and their subsequent rebuilding phases.
This record was earned through a combination of elite individual performance from Anthony Davis, who averaged over 28 points per game, and improved role-player contributions across the roster. The team demonstrated remarkable consistency, winning at home and securing critical road victories that separated them from other playoff contenders.
In the context of NBA history, reaching 56 wins in a conference as deep as the West is a significant feat, placing the Pelicans among the top teams in the league for that year. It validated years of strategic planning and signaled to the league that New Orleans was no longer just a destination for talent, but a place where championships could be pursued.
Did You Know?
- This record broke the franchise's previous single-season win total set in the 2013-2014 season by Chris Paul and Anthony Davis.
- The team finished with the best home record in the Western Conference during this historic campaign.
- Anthony Davis was named to the All-NBA First Team following this dominant season.
- This remains the only time in franchise history that New Orleans has secured a top-four seed in the West.