TL;DR
- Griffin’s unconventional Teemo-Soraka strategy initially caught Jin Air unprepared but proved unsustainable
- Jin Air’s mid-series coaching adjustments and jungle substitution created crucial counterplay opportunities
- Baron control and steals became the decisive factor in multiple games of the series
- Positioning errors in late-game teamfights cost Griffin the match despite early advantages
- The upset reveals how veteran teams can exploit rookie mistakes in high-pressure situations
Griffin’s inaugural LCK split performance defied all expectations, drawing comparisons to legendary organizations like SK Telecom T1 during their formative years. The rookie squad demonstrated remarkable consistency against established competitors, securing impressive wins against playoff contenders Afreeca Freecs and Gen G. However, their unexpected stumble against Jin Air Green Wings during week seven exposed critical vulnerabilities in their otherwise dominant campaign. This matchup highlighted the delicate balance between innovative strategies and fundamental execution that separates good teams from great ones in professional League of Legends.
The series opener featured Griffin’s bold champion selection, deploying Teemo and Soraka in the bottom lane—a composition rarely seen at professional levels. This unconventional approach capitalized on element of surprise, leaving Jin Air scrambling to adapt their lane assignments and trading patterns. The disorientation created early advantages that Griffin expertly converted into map control and objective priority.
Jungler Lee “Tarzan” Seung-yong established early dominance with precise pathing and objective secures on Sejuani. His coordination with mid laner Shin “Rather” Hyeong-seop’s Orianna created devastating wombo-combos in teamfights. The rookie team demonstrated exceptional synergy between jungle and mid lane, a coordination level typically requiring multiple splits to develop.
Jin Air’s coaching staff responded decisively between games, substituting Eom “UmTi” Seong-hyeon into the jungle role. This strategic move paid immediate dividends as UmTi executed multiple successful ganks during the early laning phase. His assertive jungle presence and rapid response to Tarzan’s initiation attempts completely shifted the game’s momentum.
The pivotal moment arrived when mid laner Lee “Grace” Chan-ju secured a miraculous Baron Nashor steal from Griffin’s control. This single play demonstrated the importance of smite timing and objective awareness—skills that often separate veteran players from rookies. The stolen buff empowered Jin Air to win the subsequent teamfight and destroy Griffin’s nexus in one decisive push, leveling the series.
The final game began with Griffin applying coordinated pressure in the bottom lane, leveraging Tarzan’s jungle presence to secure early advantages. Jin Air counterpunched by focusing mid lane pressure, successfully eliminating Jeong “Chovy” Ji-hoon in early skirmishes. However, Chovy demonstrated exceptional recovery mechanics with Tarzan’s assistance, allowing Griffin to rebuild their snowball potential.
Just when victory seemed assured for the rookies, Jin Air secured a crucial Baron buff that reignited their chances. The turning point occurred when Park “Teddy” Jin-seong capitalized on positioning errors by Son “Lehends” Si-woo, initiating a final teamfight that Griffin couldn’t survive without their support’s crucial crowd control and healing.
This upset provides valuable insights for teams at all competitive levels. Griffin’s experience demonstrates that while innovative strategies can create early advantages, they remain vulnerable to adaptation by experienced opponents. The series highlighted how veteran organizations like Jin Air leverage strategic substitutions and objective control to counter rookie enthusiasm. For players looking to improve their own gameplay, studying these momentum shifts and adaptation techniques can significantly enhance strategic understanding. Those interested in broader competitive concepts can explore our Complete Guide to team-based competitive gaming strategies.
Common mistakes include overreliance on unconventional picks without backup plans, poor late-game positioning under pressure, and inadequate objective control against comeback attempts. Advanced players should focus on developing adaptation skills similar to Jin Air’s coaching staff, learning to read opponent patterns and adjust strategies mid-series.
Action Checklist
- Analyze opponent draft patterns and prepare both conventional and unconventional counter-strategies
- Practice objective control timing, particularly Baron and Dragon secures
- Develop mid-game adaptation plans for when initial strategies fail
- Study professional team substitution patterns and their strategic impacts
- Master late-game positioning awareness to avoid critical teamfight errors
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Jin Air defeats Griffin to stave off relegation Analyzing Griffin's surprising LCK defeat against Jin Air and what it reveals about competitive League of Legends strategies