L5 defeats MVP Black in an unforgettable reverse sweep.

MVP Black couldn’t have known when it happened, but it was the team fight and subsequent game loss below that would mark the beginning of a brutal reverse sweep from L5 at last night's HGC.

Complete with b-steps from sCsC, the game left L5 with all smiles. Both teams were fighting for a guaranteed spot in the mid-season brawl and additional bragging rights against their most difficult rival. Despite all of this and L5 losing two games in a row, L5  looked unphased. This quote from Noblesse after his team's win during the 2016 GGWC explains this uniquely L5 trait:

“We are still close friends even if we lose. Our friendship is never affected by deaths in game or someone’s misplay. We aren’t afraid to lose and that relieves so much pressure.”

So, even when they were behind 2-0, L5 wasn’t afraid to lose - This mentality might have been what made the dramatic comeback possible.

During game four, L5 had their pick of the battleground. Surprisingly, they chose Warhead Junction which is almost never seen in competitive play. What followed was a shocking Illidan and Tracer draft from L5 that looked to take advantage of the battlegrounds large size and emphasis on chaotic team fights.

It was a relatively normal game until the 12 minute mark, when Jeongha on Illidan started split pushing the top lane. He caught MVP Black by surprise and amassed a large enough push to take out the keep.

The Perfect Backdoor

Then, at the 15 minute mark, utilizing the mobility The Hunt provides, Jeongha continued to pester top lane, keeping MVP Black in fear of a backdoor attempt. MVP Black knew they had to force a team fight, so they secured the bottom lane boss and marched towards L5’s core.

But, by that time, both teams had level 20 talents, allowing Illidan to upgrade The Hunt to true global mobility. What followed was an incredible solo Illidan core rush that won the game and left L5 laughing for what must have seemed like an eternity for the dejected members of MVP Black.

MVP Black were living in a nightmare. They had somehow squandered their 2-0 advantage into a tied set, and lost yet another game that was previously under their control. Going into game five, L5 chose Braxis Holdout and continued their strategy of throwing MVP Black off guard as much as possible by drafting SGT. Hammer and Stitches this time.

MVP Black attempted to counter this with a Chromie and LT. Morales composition, which was a fine choice. However, no one, including MVP Black, could have been prepared for how skilled Noblesse would play on Stitches this game.

Just look at these game winning hooks by Noblesse. He is the clear MVP of the entire series for this clutch win:

- Helping Hand hook saving Malfurion

- Ending MVP Black’s push with a Hook.

- Incredible hook connects on LT. Morales

- Surprise hook kill on Valla

- How is this hook possible?!

With this win, L5 can forget about their defeat during the grand finals of the Eastern Clash against MVP Black. This stunning comeback and subsequent seeding into the mid-season Brawl is much more valuable than their previous loss. With MVP Black out of the way, it looks like a safe bet for L5 that they will end the season with a perfect 14-0 record after L5’s last League match against MVP Miracle on May 12th.

You can watch the full series on the official Heroes of the Storm YouTube channel.