RESULTS: TSM Lock In A Third Place Finish after a Bloody Match with Team Liquid
By Zac Cameron ·
While this may not have been played for a first round bye, TSM and Team Liquid certainly put their all into the match, with TSM ultimately claiming third place in the NA LCS.
The final match of the regular season for these two teams showcased why they were expected to do so well from the beginning. With TSM ultimately claiming victory, Team Liquid is relegated back to the “forever fourth” spot as they teams look towards the quarterfinals.
Team Liquid claimed first blood when TSM pushed too far forward in the bot lane, leaving them open to ganks from the river. TSM reply by sending five members to the top lane to claim a kill and first turret gold before both team look for vision control of the Dragon. TSM start the Dragon first, and when Liquid come to contest they find themselves outmatched as TSM secure the Dragon and claim another kill.
TSM make a surprise four man gank onto the mid lane to pick up yet another kill while taking down the outer turret. In reply, Liquid secure the Rift Herald and use it to attack the top lane, taking down the turret there. Team Liquid make an attack in the bot lane, catching out three members of TSM and gaining a gold lead for the first time this match. Liquid use this new strength to secure the second Dragon, but when TSM meet them in the jungle as they withdraw, TSM are able to pick up another kill to level out the game.
The teams clash in the jungle as they look towards Baron, costing TSM as Liquid pick up another kill, before both teams work to establish vision control of the area. TSM move to the bot lane to claim a kill, causing Liquid to rush the Baron. As they attempt to leave the pit, TSM are able to pick up two more kills, leaving the buff only on two of the Liquid squad. In reply, TSM move bot side and secure the Dragon.
As Liquid attempt to push the mid lane with the Baron buff, TSM engage upon them and claim two more kills, forcing TL to pull back and reset. TSM push their advantage by attacking the bot lane, picking up another kill and taking out the turret. Both teams look to re-establish vision around Baron, before a team fight erupts around the Dragon pit resulting in TL securing the Dragon while TSM claim another kill. TSM are faster to respond to the movement of the map, rushing down the Baron and escaping unscathed.
TSM use the Baron buff to push the bot lane, taking down the bot inhibitor, before a counterattack from Liquid picks up a kill and forces TSM away from their base. The teams reengage in the top lane with TSM picking up two more kills before teleporting into the base of Liquid to apply pressure. As the minions approach from the bot lane, TSM push in the top inhibitor before withdrawing.
TSM use the pressure provided by the minions to secure the Elder Dragon, forcing Liquid to try and defend their base from multiple directions. With Liquids base in shambles, TSM secure another Baron buff and move to end the game, diving for kills as they escort the minions into the base of TL. A desperate defence from Team Liquid proved unsuccessful as TSM pushed through and destroyed the nexus, ending the game.
For more NA LCS action, check out how 100 Thieves stole the first place finish away from Echo Fox, and for more on how the teams are sitting on the ladder right now, check out the Official Standings page, here.