Overwatch League Stage 4 Week 3
By: Bryce L. Jackson
Los Angeles Valiant vs New York Excelsior
A faceoff between the top two teams in Stage 4 was an instant classic of a match. The match started with NYXL doing their typical dominant and methodical style of play at Blizzard World. The Valiant responded with defensive shut down at Horizon Lunar Colony. After the break, NYXL cruised through Oasis and led to Watchpoint Gibraltar. The NYXL seemed to feel overconfident and took their foot off the gas by allowing LAV to get all 3 points. After a quick first 2 stages they did so again and failed to complete Gibraltar, tying the matchup 2-2. The tiebreaker was a hotly contested slugfest. In the end, The Valiant used the momentum gained from winning Gibraltar to overthrow the league titans 3-2.
London Spitfire vs Dallas Fuel
Two teams that need wins for different reasons: London needs to stay in the overall playoff hunt, Dallas want their chance at the Stage Playoffs. In a virtually one sided showdown, it was Dallas that came out on top and continue their quest for Stage 4 glory. Mickie continues his reign as the best Brigitte in the league and Taimou continues his run of good aim. London, after beating Boston earlier in the week couldn't keep their momentum and continue to falter as the season ends.
Boston Uprising vs San Francisco Shock
The Uprising still faltering matched up against the young Shock team that are in a groove. The groove continued as the Uprising continued to lack identity and versatility while the Shock continuously changed the looks they gave their opponents. Newcomer Choihyobin stole the show in some places while Babybay, Architect, and Sinatraa shared the glory amongst the DPS in a 3-1 victory over the Uprising.
Best Performers
Mickie (Flex, Dallas Fuel)
Space (Flex, Los Angeles Valiant)
Diya (DPS, Shanghai Dragons)
Sinatraa (DPS, San Francisco Shock)
Gesture (Tank, London Spitfire)
Fate (Tank, Los Angeles Valiant)
Custa (Support, Los Angeles Valiant)
Sleepy (Support, San Francisco Shock)
League Notes
Shanghai Dragons player Dongjian "MG" Wu announces that he has decided to depart the team on Weibo.
After 3 weeks, here's how we stand for the Stage 4 and Overall Playoffs
Stage 4 Playoff Standings (via Overwatch League)
Overall League Playoff Race (via Overwatch League