DreXxiN
2015-05-11 05:18:30
While perhaps not concluding in the cleanest of fashions, the end of MSI 2015 was epic indeed. From both a gameplay and storyline perspective, SKT vs. EDG is a set for the ages.
You dont deserve Faker yet...
Despite how strong of a team SKT has appeared to be, theve been lacking in the early and mid game and taking a lot of wins against "evenly skilled" teams by winning in the late game, often at crazy deficits. SKTs patience helped them pull ahead in the first game as well as proper control and prioritization from Bengi.
Going off game one, it would seem SKT wouldnt need Faker, as Easyhoon found a significant lead over the god-slayer. SKT decided to forego dragon in favor of winning teamfights to seize baron control. A once close game kill-wise busted wide open for SKT to take a decisive win that would seem like itd already spell EDGs fate. SKT 1-0 EDG.
We can do that, too.
EDG practically replicated SKTs composition in game one with minor exceptions. If theres anything to shift the losing mentality in a team, its a level one team fight in which you seize three kills right off the bat. EDG did just that to kick off the second game of the series.
Even though EDG had a huge lead, they were uncharacteristically poor in teamfights, a skill that is usually a huge boon for the team domestically. However, their ability to re-engage and calculate picks in the aftermath of a teamfight really assisted them greatly. With gold funneled heavily into Deft and Bang not having the greatest game in addition to Koro outplaying everyone, EDG were able to seize full dragon control (5-0.) EDG closed out the game and brought the series to a tie.
Are you okay, kkOma?
The composition that EDG were able to pull out in this game should be illegal. Im not really sure what was going through the coachs head in this pick/ban phase, but EDG were loaded with comfort picks and high synergy while SKT ran the notoriously unsuccessful Sivir composition that doesnt include a high damage mid lane. EDG didnt take long to get going with ClearLoves early map pressure.
The aftermath of #Flashsnowballmechanics
Meiko heavily complimented Clearloves zone control with his Annie pick, proving why he was one of the many rookies to show up as top class this tournament. While Nunu may not be the best scaling champion, his insane defensive stats through early gold forged an inpenetrable wall for EDG with his continued dominance. EDG had full control of this game and dominated the lane swaps, pushing the series in their favor.
Lord Faker, please bring retribution
SKT swapped out Easyhoon for Faker in hopes that his clutch capabilities would bring the gold home for Korea. Once again, pick & bans were questionable, with EDG getting a plethora of comfort champions against SKTs low wave clear composition which included Bang on Ezreal. Luckily for them, this seemed to have worked out surprisingly well.
EDG decided to risk going for an early dragon, which worked out for them due to SKT being careless in their attempts to stop it. Deft had acquired double buffs on his Corki by slaying Bengi, although Marin was quick to acquire revenge on Koro and counteract his dominance throughout the series. Once again, EDG slipped up in teamfights and Faker looked to bring SKT back into the series with a vengeance, tying it up.
Even gods can bleed...
This was it. The final game that would decide if Korea could finally be defeated in a grand finals best of 5 and if China would go home and have to settle with a silver once more. SKT kept Faker in the mid lane, and this time he was able to secure his signature, undefeated champion: Leblanc. All hail Aaron, the coach of EDG, for only nerves of steel could have crafted a composition that was prepared to deal with what SKT had to dish out.
EDG started off playing it safe by picking Maokai for Koro, but itd only get weirder afteer that. Alistar was prioritized with Annie available for Meiko, PawN decided to go Morgana mid for the first time in the tournament. Deft locked in Sivir for the complementary spellshield. The greatest question mark of all? ClearLove pulling out Evelynn, a champion many believe to be worthless in the current meta. It would take a counter team of this intensity to shut down the juggernaught that is Fakers Leblanc.
Laning was barely a phase that existed in this game, as EDG went with their old tradition of heavy roam, commiting to early 4-man dives across the map. The roam squad would prevail as SKT could not pick off favorable skirmishes to get themselves ahead. Faker decided to be extra ballsy, grabbing a Mejais soulstealer in hopes to amplify his snowball potential. Alas, this cleverly forged team composition would be able to narrowly take down SKT in an epic game 5, marking history and possibly answering the question on the gap between Chinese and Korean League of Legends.
For more content, feel free to follow the author at @ESHDrexxin. All images courtesy of Lolesports and Twitch. Header image credit to Travis Gafford.
