Team Liquid’s journey at Masters Bangkok concluded with a tough loss against G2. The series demonstrated Liquid’s initial strategic success but ultimately highlighted G2’s ability to adapt and counter their approach. This breakdown explores key rounds that defined the match, focusing on how G2 adjusted to Liquid’s defensive strategy and secured the win.
Team Liquid’s Early Defensive Game Plan
On Lotus, Team Liquid started on defense with a setup leaning heavily toward one side of the map. Nats held A alone while the rest of the team prepared for rapid rotations. G2 took a measured approach, gathering information before executing their attack.
Early in the pistol round, G2 pushed toward C, triggering a quick reaction from Team Liquid. Since Leaf had not advanced toward A, G2 lacked complete information about the map. This allowed Liquid to reposition and flood the site as G2 executed. The strategy resembled a well-known Haven defense, where defenders flood from the backline to contest control.
Nats, known for his exceptional Cypher play, used his positioning and flanks to disrupt G2’s attack. This tactic initially worked, as Liquid secured key trades and slowed G2’s momentum. However, as the game progressed, G2 adapted to this aggressive rotation strategy and found ways to exploit it.
G2’s Adaptation and Counterplay
By round seven, G2 adjusted their approach after taking a timeout. They recognized Liquid’s tendency to rapidly rotate and used this knowledge to manipulate their movements.
One key strategy involved G2 selling a heavy commitment to one site while planning to execute elsewhere. For example, they would send utility and make noise on C while maintaining flexibility in their positioning. This forced Liquid into unnecessary rotations, allowing G2 to capitalize on openings.
A pivotal round demonstrated this adjustment. G2 initially pressured C, drawing Liquid’s attention. Jmo then teleported across the map, enabling G2 to reposition toward A. Liquid, expecting a full-site hit, rotated aggressively—only for G2 to reverse their plan and re-hit C. By keeping their options open, G2 avoided Liquid’s defensive floods and secured uncontested plants.
The Power of Yoru in G2’s Game Plan
G2’s effective use of Yoru played a crucial role in their victory. Yoru’s toolkit allowed them to add deception and unpredictability to their executes. By setting up teleports and creating multiple engagement points, G2 kept Liquid guessing.
In a crucial round, G2 executed a fast-paced attack with Yoru leading the charge. He used his teleport ability to reposition, confusing Liquid’s defenders. As a result, Nats, expecting an immediate duel, moved cautiously, effectively reducing Liquid’s defensive presence. Meanwhile, other Liquid players kept checking their flanks, anticipating Yoru’s presence in CT. This hesitation cost them valuable time and positioning, enabling G2 to secure key kills and dominate the round.
Liquid’s Struggles Against G2’s Layered Strategies
Despite a strong start, Liquid struggled to keep up with G2’s evolving approach. The rapid defensive collapses that initially worked in their favor became a liability as G2 baited out rotations and took advantage of overcommitted defenses.
G2’s well-structured fakes and disciplined site hits allowed them to control the pace of the game. Even when Liquid adjusted by stacking sites early, G2’s use of Yoru, strategic teleports, and deep lurks ensured they maintained the upper hand.
