Although TSM is 1-3 and eliminated from playoffs, I think there is a lot of good stuff to take from their group stage.
Every match was close. Even tho they were all 2-0s, they have the best +/- of any of the 1-3 teams. A -10 rd even though they went 2-6 in maps is something that's pretty impressive, meaning each map was close and could've gone TSM's way with cleaning some stuff up.
NRG 13-15, 10-13. 100% could've gone TSM's way with a few rounds here and there.
Beat 100T. Looked really good in this match.
Guard 10-13, 7-13. Their weakest week, just looked really off with rotates and everything.
Ghost 9-13, 13-15. Really kicking themselves in this match, up 7-5 both maps and lost so many thrifties it was insane. If they played cleaner they would've won this match, they dominated early portions of both maps. Could've been a 2-0 TSM.
Relatively new roster and swapped roles. I think with time and dedication, especially with their strong support staff, they can fix their mistakes and turn into a really strong team. Losing thrifties is just a sign of maybe lack of discipline or some little mistakes so they will be able to fix that. Also, they will be able to flesh out their new roles with Subroza on initiator, gMd on controller, seven on duelist and Corey on Sentinel. No one even expected TSM to qualify for the event, so I think getting through in the first OQ and looking decent is really a success in itself. Came a long way from 2021.
Subroza and gMd looked good on the IGL side. No blowouts for me means strong calling, mental, and good strats. It's a good sign for the team. Both also look much more comfortable on their roles now with more fragging power so that's always good.
A lot of winnable games/rounds. This is similar to the first point but they would start out strong in a lot of maps and just throw away advantages. This will be easy to fix in the off season I hope.
Even though I wanted them to qualify, TSM still showed a lot of promise this VCT. It sucks that they're done for 2022, but as long as they don't blow up the roster and build more chemistry and learn to close out rounds and matches, I think they will turn out to be much better next year. Honestly just a few rounds off of qualifying for playoffs too. For me, TSM showed a lot of good things this season and as long as they keep grinding, I think better results will come in the future. They definitely solidified themselves as a top 10 team in NA, and that is a big step from their position in 2021.
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