TSM’s Broken Blade Talks Team Identity and Competitive State of the Region
TSM fans can be optimistic about their team’s chances at challenging for a title after a strong finish to the season. Despite a loss to Team Liquid, TSM won five games in a row, demonstrating their potential as one of the best teams in the region.
Top laner Sergen “Broken Blade” Çelik recently spoke with about the team’s identity and his evolving role within it. He also discussed the competitive state of the region as a whole.
“If we play our game… we are really, really good,” Broken Blade told .
According to Broken Blade, the team’s improvements have come from addressing individual flaws in an honest and intentional manner. This honest approach has been key to their success.
“If you want to succeed, you have to be honest with the people you’re working with, and we have that going on right now,” said Broken Blade.
Strong Competition in the LCS
TSM is not the only team in the LCS that has shown improvement this season. Team Liquid and Golden Guardians have also been on an upward trajectory, with Golden Guardians being a strong contender for the playoffs despite finishing the summer split with a 9-9 record.
Cloud9, once considered the top team in NA, finished the split with a 13-5 record but showed signs of vulnerability. According to Broken Blade, their struggles can be attributed to stagnation and simple mistakes.
“Honestly, I think it’s very clear that C9, as they are right now, are not gonna dominate anything internationally. They’ve been doing really simple mistakes, really silly mistakes,” said Broken Blade.
Broken Blade acknowledged that Cloud9 was incredible last split, but believes that other middle-of-the-pack teams, including TSM, have become stronger since then.
A Evolving Role for Broken Blade
Unlike in the previous split, Broken Blade is no longer the main focus of TSM’s win conditions. The team now has strong laners in all three lanes, giving TSM more options and making them a stronger team overall.
“Spring Split for me was a very good learning experience in how to carry games,” said Broken Blade. “Now if I ever have to be the one who’s carrying, I’m actually able to do that because I have all the tools and the communication skills. It’s definitely a really good feeling that I can play a carry and also actually carry, you know?”
TSM’s Confidence Heading into the Playoffs
TSM generated buzz when they brought back the “Bjerglift” duo for the TSM 2020 Summer Split. Although not without controversy, the team finished the split with a 12-6 record and is heading into the playoffs with confidence.
“A lot of teams are on their way to be at their best this split, and we aren’t even at our best yet,” said Broken Blade.
With their recent improvements, TSM is looking to make a strong playoff run, starting with their first-round matchup against Golden Guardians.
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