https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrGqvlcf1WA
Video Credit: LoLeventVODs - LoL Esports VODs
Yesterday, TSM finally had their big break, winning against rivals Clutch Gaming in the North American LCS.
This was a huge win for them considering their past performances against Clutch Gaming. Up until yesterday’s game, Clutch had repeatedly beat TSM in key matchups, the most significant one being their playoff quarterfinals win last split, as it denied TSM a finals appearance for the very first time. To add insult to injury, Clutch has also won their first game against TSM this summer.
So with all things said, Clutch definitely came into the match as the favorite. But TSM was ready. They actually went with Talon for star mid laner Soren “Bjergsen” Bjerg, who had all split long been coming up short with lackluster performances. But while his lane phase during the game wasn’t the best, he pulled off good roams in the side lanes, giving TSM the early lead they needed.
With fewer and fewer options remaining, Clutch tried for a desperate Baron, a decision that quickly backfired, as TSM’s rookie jungler Jonathan “Grig” Armao stole the buff. All the momentum on their side, TSM then proceeded to ace Clutch, turning the match in their favor and eventually winning in convincing fashion.
TSM’s performance this season has been plagued by inconsistency, with them either going undefeated or winless in every week leading up to this one. So their win against Clutch is one that really shows their resiliency, and that Bjergsen is once back to top form, as indicated by his great performance on Talon. Moreover, bot laners Jesper “Zven” Svenningsen and Alfonso “mithy” Aguirre Rodriguez were instrumental in creating TSM’s early lead, a big improvement from their typical passive playstyles.
As for Clutch, they failed to match the performances of TSM, falling short in terms of decision making and macro play when they really needed it most. Despite having highly mechanically skilled players, Clutch suffers in the mid/late game because of questionable calls and mismanaged side waves.
An important victory under their belt, TSM will push on towards the NA LCS throne next Saturday, taking on Cloud9 at 3:30 PM CT, while Clutch will try to bounce back against the 100 Thieves at 8 PM CT.