The first round of the LPL third stage playoffs has ended. In the clash between AL and WBG, the teams fought through five intense games, with Weibo securing a 3-2 victory and moving on to the top six. This BO5 was considered a surprise since WBG was not favored before the match. Xiaohu’s leadership once again pushed the team forward, proving Fat Tiger right that Weibo will defeat any opponent standing between them and the Worlds.

Another match on the same day was NIP versus TES, which had the least suspense due to the big gap in strength between the teams. Most expected a clean 3-0 sweep, but NIP still surprised the audience by taking a game off TES. If it weren’t for the coach’s questionable BP in the final game, NIP might have even had a chance to push the series to five games. It’s a pity; the gap between the head coaches was just too large.

In the first game, NIP picked a veteran mid laner. Although Sion suits Doinb well, Sion mid in this meta is ineffective—he can’t push lanes properly, and after level 6, his side lane influence is negligible. His only role was to counter 369’s champion pool. In the second game, NIP switched to a jungle carry with a supportive Sylas, which showed promise. The early game pace was aggressive, and the top lane even secured a solo kill.

The third game was the most intense of the series. Despite NIP’s early advantage, frequent mistakes in team fights allowed TES to turn the game around. Judging by the first three games, NIP’s strength wasn’t weak. However, in the fourth game, the coach made a baffling decision: despite having blue side, they chose red side, aiming to run a Caitlyn-Spider combo bot lane. Unfortunately, NIP picked the Spider first, and TES snatched Caitlyn away.

Leave had no choice but to pick Miss Fortune. After seeing Caitlyn stolen, he was visibly frustrated and started biting his fingers. NIP’s coach’s decision was truly unbelievable. In this meta, any team with blue side wouldn’t voluntarily choose red side because red side faces more BP pressure. For an underdog facing a stronger opponent, securing first pick is crucial, but NIP gave up that advantage on purpose.

The choice to pick Spider first was even more perplexing. Every team knows Spider is meant to pair with Caitlyn. Picking Spider first was a gamble that the opponent wouldn’t pick Caitlyn, but the coach probably didn’t realize TES’s AD was the regular season MVP. If NIP had picked Caitlyn first, their BP wouldn’t have been so poor. Even if TES took Spider, NIP could have still paired Caitlyn with champions like Lux, preventing a disastrous bot lane start.

Beyond BP issues, the coach’s tactical setup had major flaws. NIP managed to climb out of the lower bracket group thanks to Leave playing the main carry and leading the team. But in the playoffs, the bot lane became mere utility players. The coach clearly doesn’t understand who should be carrying for NIP. Though Leave struggles against a strong team like TES, at least they should try to let the bot lane carry the game.

After losing to TES, NIP is very likely to be eliminated in their next match, as they will face AL from the lower bracket, who surprisingly upset Weibo. Although AL’s form is average, they should have no trouble beating NIP. Even if Shanks isn’t performing well, he’s definitely better than Doinb. Unless Leave can consistently pick the main carry, NIP has no chance. If they lose to AL, NIP will miss the bubble playoffs.

Conclusion:

When a weaker team faces a stronger one, choosing the red side voluntarily and counter-picking that ends up backfiring, especially harming their own AD, is baffling. Among the eight playoff teams, there’s probably no coach more absurd than Rashomom. Even Bigwei wouldn’t voluntarily pick red side. This coach deserves the title of worst coach. After this match, NIP’s coach really needs to reflect on himself.

So, what do you think? Can NIP beat AL?

Feel free to leave your thoughts and join the discussion!