Team Liquid has solidified themselves as the best team in the LCS after going 2-0 in the second week of the split. They would punctuate their perfect weekend with a convincing win against Clutch Gaming.
They weren't ready for Raid Boss @Jensen
4 game win streak, 1st on the standings, the season is just getting started #LetsGoLiquid pic.twitter.com/yNtuwNswwk
— Team Liquid LoL (@TeamLiquidLoL) February 3, 2019
Team Liquid were coming into this matchup with a win against 100 Thieves under their belt. It was a relatively easy week, even though their opponents were some of the best in the league right now. Yiliang “Doublelift” Peng exercised their dominance over LCS newcomer and former World Champion, Bae “Bang” Jun-sik. Meanwhile, Jake “Xmithie” Puchero has been playing well on Lee Sin, while Nicolaj “Jensen” Jensen took over his lane against Choi “huhi” Jae-hyun.
On the other side of the Rift, Clutch Gaming were coming off of a loss to OpTic Gaming. In that match, it was a lopsided battle between the top side of the map. Heo “Huni” Seung-hoon and Nam “Lira” Tae-yoo were outplayed by Joshua “Dardoch” Hartnett and Niship “Dhokla” Doshi. They came into this week on a high, but that loss really brought them down to Earth. They would have to face off against the best team in North America afterward, which would be a tough challenge for any squad.
Liquid eases past Clutch Gaming
It was a pretty easy win for Team Liquid, who knew exactly how to play around the opposing’s team composition. Speaking of which, Clutch Gaming would put their eggs into the Chae “Piglet” Gwang-jin basket, placing the veteran ADC on Caitlyn. Unfortunately, Liquid would put plenty of focus on the bottom lane. Additionally, Jo “CoreJJ” Yong-in has been looking like an All-Star over the past two weeks. His play on Braum today was crucial in winning the lane with Doublelift, while his decision-making and team play have been incredible.
Team Liquid would also put their top lane, Jung “Impact” Eon-yeong, on a carry champion. We haven’t seen Impact on a carry champion in a long time, but it was a refreshing experience. Seeing this team with three viable carry players gives many people hope for their chances in this season. The North American juggernaut would also capture four dragons, Rift Herald, and Baron to boot. It wasn’t a close match, but in Clutch Gaming’s defense, not many of Liquid’s matches have been close so far.
Looking Forward
For Team Liquid, they look to continue their success in the LCS next week. They will be up against OpTic Gaming and FlyQuest, two teams that are relatively average in the league. However, FlyQuest has been looking pretty good over the past few games. They will also be going up against Eugene “Pobelter” Park, who was their mid laner last year. He has been showcasing a big improvement in his play after taking over the carry role for his new team.
Meanwhile, Clutch Gaming has cooled off from their strong week one performances. They need to play through their stronger lanes and play around people like Tanner “Damonte” Damonte. Damonte was great in week one and should have been a focus for the team. They will need to adjust their playstyle for week three, where they will be facing off against 100 Thieves and Cloud9. They are underdogs in both those matchups, but a win isn’t impossible.
What are your thoughts on Liquid’s win versus Clutch Gaming? Let us know what you think in the comments below! If you want more LCS coverage, check us out here!
