Atlanta FaZe barely skated by the LA Thieves in their first match at the Pairs Home Series on April 29, winning 3-2. It was an intense game, as reflected by the first words Atlanta FaZe star Chris “Simp” Lehr said after the conclusion of today’s match: “Thank God, man.”
It was a hard-fought match throughout, with LA taking control of some maps and FaZe doing the same. However, it all came down to a map five where Atlanta demonstrated why they’re still considered one of the top teams in the CDL.
LA Thieves lose a close match to Atlanta FaZe at Paris Home Series
Coming into this Stage 3 match, not many expected the Thieves to compete as well as they did. Atlanta, despite their back-to-back losses, are easily a top-two team in the league, alongside Toronto Ultra. This year, LA hasn’t handled stiff competition very well.
This perception changed today, though. LA battled throughout the entire series, even showing some fight in the final map where they were manhandled by a much better roster. The biggest sign of improvement for LA came on the map two Search and Destroy, where they won six straight rounds to tie up the match.
The regain is in with a 6-1 Express SnD from the squad. #LAThieves @Vxnxm with a clean 3 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dS3CANpcCz
— LA Thieves (@LAThieves) April 29, 2021
From Stage 2 to Stage 3, the biggest difference-maker has been Kenny “Kenny” Williams. The former SMG player has excelled in his new role as the main assault rifle, improving the rest of LA along with him. Despite the loss today, the Thieves are in a great spot to win some matches and move up in the standings.
On Atlanta’s side, this victory was much-needed after they dropped two straight series. However, it’s evident that FaZe still hasn’t returned to their dominant Stage 1 form. Their Search and Destroy in particular has suffered in recent weeks. While they brought on Search and Destroy expert John “x2Pac ThuGLorD” Hartley to help with this shortcoming, it won’t be fixed overnight.
Until it does get fixed, FaZe needs to rely on their respawn game modes and continued high-level play from Simp. The former MVP has shined in Stage 3 and he performed marvelously again today, posting a 1.26 KD.
. @SimpXO 🤝 @aBeZy
Tiny Terrors pic.twitter.com/01UbNuYmKP— Atlanta FaZe (@ATLFaZe) April 29, 2021
Atlanta has the potential to return to Stage 1 form but it will take some time. They’ll have another chance to improve this weekend when they battle the London Royal Ravens, fresh off an upset win, on Saturday, May 1.
LA Thieves also play again at the Paris Home Series, as they take on OpTic Chicago on Sunday, May 2.
