In the next playoff match, Weibo Gaming faced another tough opponent, JD Gaming, who were equally formidable as EDward Gaming. Notably, JD was the last opponent WBG faced in the LPL Spring 2022 group stage. In that confrontation with JD, SofM and his teammates suffered a humiliating defeat. Therefore, this match held significance not only as a playoff game but also as a chance for WBG fans to hope for revenge against JDG.
The match unfolded with the excitement fans had anticipated. In game 1, JDG’s incredibly sturdy lineup posed numerous challenges for WBG. The WBG players could not deal damage to JDG’s quality frontline with Sion, Trundle, or Nautilus towards the end of the match. Moreover, WBG missed out on major objectives, allowing JDG’s power growth to seem unstoppable. WBG had to accept defeat after 34 minutes of play as Huanfeng, Angel, and others could no longer inflict damage on JDG.
In game 2, WBG had a slight advantage at the beginning. Huanfeng’s Zeri, on a stellar day, showcased the champion’s “broken” potential. TheShy also had a strong game with Gnar, despite facing a tough laning phase against 369’s Kayle. WBG managed to secure major objectives while Huanfeng’s Zeri grew increasingly powerful. SofM and his teammates had little trouble equalizing the kill score with a significant lead.
However, in game 3, the dynamics of the first game repeated. This time, the focus was on 369 in the top lane as he played Lucian, who was much stronger compared to TheShy’s Kennen. With the entire team being pressured, WBG had no space for assassins like SofM’s Zed to shine. Besides 369, both Yagao and Kanavi performed well, forcing WBG to concede the lead to JDG.
Moving to the crucial game, SofM and Angel secured their signature champions Hecarim and Orianna, while “Coach Huan” returned to his familiar Zeri. Once again, WBG dominated the match. SofM’s horse was devastating, while JDG lacked a proper tank except for Missing’s Nautilus. Huanfeng was able to deal damage, and WBG once again brought the match back to square one.
With SofM picking Hecarim again in game 5, it seemed WBG would finish the playoffs with a win. However, JDG proved to be one of the strongest teams in LPL Spring 2022. Additionally, Aatrox in the hands of “Shy” was nearly ineffective. SofM tried his best in this game, but only he and somewhat Angel could not bring spring to WBG. A team fight that wiped WBG near Baron officially allowed JDG to take the lead. JDG easily snowballed to obliterate WBG, securing a final victory of 3-2 in the tense BO5.
The defeat to JDG officially ended WBG’s journey in LPL Spring 2022. This loss was quite unfortunate, but JDG truly outperformed SofM and his teammates. This journey serves as a lesson for WBG to learn from and come back stronger in Summer 2022.