NA LCS Week 2 Review
The NA LCS has returned and it’s two of the new teams making waves so far.
From the first two weeks of play, such has been the dominance of Immortals that it has already been suggested that they could go unbeaten this split. Meanwhile, TSM and CLG are struggling to adapt as their new rosters settle in.
Let’s take a look at the standings:
| 1. | Immortals | 4W – 0L |
| 2. | NRG Esports | 3W – 1L |
| 3. | Counter Logic Gaming | 2W – 2L |
| 3. | Team Impulse | 2W – 2L |
| 3. | Dignitas | 2W – 2L |
| 3. | Cloud 9 | 2W – 2L |
| 3. | TSM | 2W – 2L |
| 8. | Renegades | 1W – 3L |
| 8. | Liquid | 1W – 3L |
| 8. | Echo Fox | 1W – 3L |
The early buzz from league leaders Immortals is that they were dominating in practice games prior to the beginning of the season. While this doesn’t always translate into results on the stage, they have been streets ahead of the competition so far, most notably running a risky triple assassin composition against NRG and still coming out on top. While much of the pre-season discussion focused on the coup of signing Huni and Reignover from EU squad Fnatic, they have been outstanding across the board. Particular kudos are due to the Bot Lane duo of WildTurtle and Adrian, with the former TSM ADC WildTurtle picking up 24 kills across the 4 games, resulting in a K/D/A of 10.75.
Meanwhile, the ever popular TSM debuted their brand new line-up. Early signs suggest they will do well this year, but at times their lack of practice as a team showed, with their Bot Lane duo of Doublelift and YellOwStaR in particular struggling. TSM fans will hope that the two can develop better synergy as the season develops. Top Laner Hauntzer has impressed so far for TSM, soloing Huni’s Fiora with his Poppy pick in TSM’s defeat to Immortals and dominating in the victory against Dignitas. Mid Laner Bjergsen has also started the season strongly, with his 7/0/7 score as Syndra against Dignitas elevating his K/D/A to 5.57.
It’s impossible to discuss Cloud 9 without looking at the impact of substitute Support Hai. The former Mid Laner and Jungler’s shot-calling abilities appear to be so central to the team that without him they just collapse. Bunny FuFuu – the player Hai replaced for their two victories this week – may be the superior player mechanically, but without Hai in the line-up, Cloud 9 look set to struggle. Cloud 9 are likely to persist with the Bunny FuFuu experiment for the time being, hoping that Hai can pass on some of his wisdom and leadership abilities. While the other players veer from top of the class to dunces depending on Hai’s presence, much-maligned Top Laner Balls has at least shown some consistency, with a K/D/A of 3.00 demonstrating his solid if unspectacular performances so far.
CLG’s new roster have managed two wins and two losses, with the departure of both Pobelter and Doublelift clearly affecting the Summer 2015 NA LCS champions. Newcomer AD Carry Stixxay’s overeager positioning in particular has seen them punished several times. Former substitute Mid Laner HuHi is yet to fully justify his place in favour of the released Pobelter (now with Immortals), but his 8/0/5 performance on Corki against Team Liquid gives reason for the CLG management to be hopeful moving forward.
Several games in the NA LCS so far have been affected by player registration problems, with Echo Fox having to forfeit their match against a strong looking NRG (who themselves have had to use substitutes due to player registration issues). This is a worrying trend that has continued from last summer in the NA LCS, with the now-relegated Team Dragon Knights being unable to use their key players for half of the season. Echo Fox will need to resolve these issues swiftly if they want to avoid TDK’s fate. NRG on the other hand are likely to be disappointed to lose to Immortals after their free win against Echo Fox, but they could well be contenders come the end of the Split.
Next week is a vital one for TSM’s new line-up, with two tough matches ahead of them. Both NRG and Cloud 9 will feel they can potentially beat TSM given their lack of cohesion. Elsewhere, look to Immortals as they take on Renegades and Echo Fox and will look to stretch their lead at the top against two struggling sides.
