To the surprise of no one, the NYXL dominated their match against the Florida Mayhem in Houston last week. Despite Florida looking stronger this season than perhaps they’ve ever been, they could not seize control of the series. New York aggressively clamped down on an early lead and refused to let go, winning the series 3-0. Not only was their victory decisive, but incredibly quick- taking just over an hour and throwing off the schedule for the rest of the day. This commanding and speedy win was just what the NYXL needed to bounce back from their week three loss.
Faith in the NYXL was shaken and stirred when they were handed a defeat by the Philadelphia Fusion, who are 5-0 to the NYXL’s 4-1. A win against the lower-ranked Mayhem might not seem like much, but every game is an opportunity. All games in the Overwatch League can be won or lost by any team, but the NYXL play to win.
This week, the NYXL travel back to Washington, D.C. to take on the home team. This will be the first weekend with the Hero Pool bans in effect, shaking things up for the matches. Another powerful victory for the NYXL here should quell doubts about how they will handle the shifting meta going forward.
Justice will be Served- One way or Another
NYXL (4-1) v Washington Justice (1-3)
Sunday, March 8 -Hosted by the Washington Justice
The Justice looked strong in week two, taking a map off of the powerhouse Fusion and decimating the Houston Outlaws. Week three put the Justice against the Paris Eternal and the London Spitfire for their first homestand of the season. The Eternal have been on an absolute tear, and though the Justice fought hard they were unable to keep up. Things were much closer in their match against the Spitfire, but the Justice again suffered a heartbreaking homestand loss.
This week, the Justice will wake up Sunday and find the NYXL in their house raiding the refrigerator. Though Washington is surely hoping for a homestand do-over, the NYXL are likely not in a giving mood. While both teams are continually evolving, New York is the stronger and more consistent team going into this bout.
There is something to be said for homefield advantage, but mind games are no problem for NYXL head coach Yong-Cheol “imt” Jeong. With a background in neuroscience, he has said he “can easily predict players’ minds,” which aids his coaching strategies. Don’t expect the NYXL to be fazed much by the outcry of the D.C. crowd.
Hero Pool bans this week will take McCree, Widowmaker, Reinhardt and Moira out of the equation. With the NYXL’s extensive DPS depth, this should not be an issue for them. Conversely, it may place the Justice’s famed hitscan expert Corey “Corey” Nigra at a disadvantage.
It will take more than hero bans and acrobatic performers to keep the Washington Justice from being served a loss at their own table by the NYXL.
Prediction: NYXL 3-0
“Hey Now, You’re a Role Star”
With Reinhardt on the no-go list, the player to watch this week is going to be Dong-Gyu “Mano” Kim. While this ban may pose a problem for many of the League’s main tanks, expect Mano to excel(sior). Mano has a dependable Winston as well as a good Orisa, making him one of the most solid main tanks in OWL. Now with Hong-Joon “HOTBA” Choi by his side making the big plays, Mano shines even brighter. After all, he is a role star. With steadfast Mano monkeying around, the NYXL should take the win this weekend and send their place in the standings Ever Upward.
Questions? You can message Rhiannon on Twitter @Psyryn_OG and ask away.
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