Update #4

I won't be posting my week 7 report until next week. My league extended the deadline on matches. I just got mine out of the way quickly. But yea, a lot of the coaches were watching the Superbowl. And it kind of threw them off.

Thought I would keep my blog updated and anyone wondering informed. Your regularly scheduled league reports will be back soon!

NBA Season 6 Week 6: Toronto Maple Leafeons

Tommy, here! aka AbruptFury. Coach of the Toronto Maple Leafeons! It's that time again. I'm here to bring you the results of my week 6 battle. This week, I battled Connor. A newcomer who is doing well in our league. Really well. He is the only undefeated player left as of week 5. Will we be able to defeat him? Or find out why no one else could?

The Team Line-ups

My Team : Kyurem-B, Scizor, Sylveon, Vaporeon, Salazzle(Z), Zoroark, Electivire(Z), Dhelmise, Donphan, Mesprit(Z), Sawk

Connor (Miami Mimikyus): M-Alakazam, Salamence, Rotom-W(Z), Mudsdale, Decidueye(Z), Aromatisse, Tauros, Raikou, Conkeldurr(Z), Escavalier, Charizard

The Game Plan

Bane (Kyurem-Black) @ Leftovers
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 40 HP / 12 Def / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 188 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Ice Beam
- Earth Power
- Flash Cannon
- Substitute

Kyurem-Black once again has a great matchup. Ice Beam can hit Salamence, Mudsdale, and Decidueye. Earth Power hits Rotom-Wash, Raikou, and Escavalier without an Assault Vest. Flash Cannon is there for the Aromatisse. I considered running Iron Head over Flash Cannon, but Aromatisse tend to be used physically defensively. And Iron Head actually did less damage to Assault Vest Conkeldurr than Ice Beam. Substitute could be nice to set up on something like Rotom-Wash. It couldn't break it with Volt Switch, so it couldn't really dance around my Kyurem-B too easy. Substitute can also take the RNG out of Pokemon somewhat. Taking a crit for me or making me immune to status moves as long as my opponent doesn't have Infiltrator. Which he doesn't.

Offensive Calcs:

• Outspeeds Adamant max speed Salamence by 1 point. Outspeeds non-Scarf max speed Rotom-W.
• 252 SpA Teravolt Kyurem-Black Earth Power vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Rotom-Wash: 176-208 (58 - 68.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 252 SpA Teravolt Kyurem-Black Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Yache Berry Salamence: 336-396 (101.5 - 119.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO | No hope for you.
• 252 SpA Teravolt Kyurem-Black Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Alakazam-Mega: 135-159 (53.7 - 63.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO | 
• Both Ice Beam and Iron Head do the same amount; just gotta watch out for Intimidate and burn.
• 252 SpA Teravolt Kyurem-Black Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Assault Vest Mudsdale: 212-252 (52.4 - 62.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252 SpA Teravolt Kyurem-Black Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Decidueye: 278-330 (93.6 - 111.1%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO
• 252 SpA Teravolt Kyurem-Black Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Raikou: 186-220 (57.9 - 68.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 252 SpA Teravolt Kyurem-Black Flash Cannon vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Aromatisse: 180-214 (44.3 - 52.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 252 SpA Teravolt Kyurem-Black Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 92 SpD Assault Vest Conkeldurr: 117-138 (33.3 - 39.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Defensive Calcs:

• 252 Atk Salamence Supersonic Skystrike (175 BP) vs. 40 HP / 12 Def Kyurem-Black: 289-342 (72 - 85.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 252+ SpA Choice Specs Rotom-Wash Volt Switch vs. 40 HP / 4 SpD Kyurem-Black: 88-104 (21.9 - 25.9%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 252+ Atk Choice Band Escavalier Megahorn vs. 40 HP / 12 Def Kyurem-Black: 328-387 (81.7 - 96.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Trickywi (Sylveon) @ Leftovers
Ability: Pixilate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hyper Voice
- Wish
- Protect
- Hidden Power [Fire]

Sylveon can bully his team with it's Fairy STAB. The only two Pokemon that are alright with taking it are Escavalier and Charizard. Hyper Voice will blow back anything else. Conkeldurr and Salamence, in particular, get decimated. Wish and Protect help with recovery, team support, and scouting. Hidden Power Fire helps me break the Escavalier since I can definitely see it coming.

Offensive Calcs:

• 4 SpA Sylveon Hidden Power Fire vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Escavalier: 180-216 (52.3 - 62.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 4 SpA Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Alakazam-Mega: 121-144 (48.2 - 57.3%) -- 91.8% chance to 2HKO
• 4 SpA Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 0 HP / 92 SpD Conkeldurr: 318-374 (90.5 - 106.5%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO after burn damage
• 4 SpA Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Assault Vest Conkeldurr: 240-284 (57.9 - 68.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 4 SpA Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Salamence: 306-360 (92.4 - 108.7%) -- 50% chance to OHKO
• 4 SpA Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Rotom-Wash: 120-142 (39.6 - 46.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

Defensive Calcs:

• 252 SpA Alakazam-Mega Psychic vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon: 147-174 (37.3 - 44.1%) -- 100% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 252+ Atk Guts Conkeldurr Poison Jab vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Sylveon: 286-338 (72.5 - 85.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 252+ Atk Conkeldurr Poison Jab vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Sylveon: 192-226 (48.7 - 57.3%) -- 47.7% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• +1 252 Atk Salamence Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Sylveon: 158-187 (40.1 - 47.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 252+ Atk Mudsdale Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Sylveon: 262-310 (66.4 - 78.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 0 SpA Rotom-Wash Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon: 99-117 (25.1 - 29.6%) -- 0% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 252+ Atk Choice Band Escavalier Megahorn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Sylveon: 156-183 (39.5 - 46.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

Lisa Simpson (Salazzle) @ Normalium Z
Ability: Corrosion
EVs: 16 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 236 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Flamethrower
- Sludge Wave
- Encore
- Nasty Plot

Here's an interesting set. At first glance, it might look like a really standard Salazzle set. Okay - it's pretty standard. But it has a trick to it. My goal for setting up with Salazzle was to weaken certain mons and get an Encore off when Aromatisse came in. Maybe even Decidueye. With Z Encore, I get to use Encore and get a +1 in speed. This speed boost allows Salazzle to outspeed Mega Alakazam. I even EV'd Salazzle to be faster than Rotom-Wash, which is a common Choice Scarf user. After my target is locked into a move with Encore, I can get off a Nasty Plot boost. With +1 speed and +2 Special Attack, I should have no problem running through Connor's team. Flamethrower hits Pokemon Decidueye and Escavalier really hard. Sludge Wave hits the Aromatisse. If these attacks are boosted by Nasty Plot, they can easily grab some OHKOs.

Offensive Calcs:

• Outspeeds max speed Salamence by 1 point.
• +2 252+ SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Rotom-Wash: 288-340 (95 - 112.2%) -- 75% chance to OHKO after Leftovers recovery
• +2 252+ SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Alakazam-Mega: 292-345 (116.3 - 137.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• +2 252+ SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 0 HP / 92 SpD Conkeldurr: 382-450 (108.8 - 128.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• +2 252+ SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 0 HP / 92 SpD Assault Vest Conkeldurr: 255-301 (72.6 - 85.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• +2 252+ SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Salamence: 364-430 (109.9 - 129.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• +2 252+ SpA Salazzle Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Assault Vest Mudsdale: 270-318 (66.8 - 78.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• +2 252+ SpA Salazzle Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mudsdale: 403-475 (99.7 - 117.5%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO
• +2 252+ SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Decidueye: 304-358 (102.3 - 120.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO | Don't have to risk the Fire Blast miss.
• +2 252+ SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Assault Vest Raikou: 204-240 (53.1 - 62.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• +2 252+ SpA Salazzle Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Assault Vest Raikou: 235-277 (61.1 - 72.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Defensive Calcs:

• 252 Atk Decidueye Sucker Punch vs. 16 HP / 4 Def Salazzle: 101-119 (35.9 - 42.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
• 252+ Atk Guts Conkeldurr Mach Punch vs. 16 HP / 4 Def Salazzle: 85-101 (30.2 - 35.9%) -- 40.5% chance to 3HKO

SubToReedIRL (Zoroark) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Illusion
EVs: 40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 Spe
Jolly Nature
- U-turn
- Knock Off
- Aerial Ace
- Sucker Punch

Zoroark helps me out with my speed game. Being already so fast, a Choice Scarf can help it outspeed other Choice Scarfers and Mega Alakazam. Zoroark is my best of dealing with Mega Alakazam by revenge killing it. U-turn helps me pivot around and can get some massive chip on Mega Alakazam without having to risk it switching, getting up a Substitute, or knocking Zoroark out because my opponent decided to run some bulk on his Mega Alakazam. The momentum provided by U-turn helps out Zoroark a lot with it's lacking damage output in this matchup and it's shallow moveset. Knock Off helps me get rid of Assault Vests and Choice Scarfs for Salazzle. Aerial Ace hits the Conkeldurr really well, while still being able to hit Decidueye. And Sucker Punch is mostly for revenge killing something like Salamence, which could get a couple of Dragon Dance boosts and outspeed this Choice Scarf user.

Offensive Calcs:

• Outspeeds Salamence with a Dragon Dance boost or with a Scarf by 1 point.
• 252 Atk Zoroark Aerial Ace vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Conkeldurr: 118-140 (33.6 - 39.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
• 252 Atk Zoroark U-turn vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Alakazam-Mega: 186-220 (74.1 - 87.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252 Atk Zoroark Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Alakazam-Mega: 386-456 (153.7 - 181.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 252 Atk Zoroark Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Raikou: 172-204 (53.5 - 63.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252 Atk Decidueye Sinister Arrow Raid vs. 40 HP / 0 Def Zoroark: 194-228 (71.5 - 84.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252 Atk Zoroark Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Tauros: 142-168 (48.7 - 57.7%) -- 94.9% chance to 2HKO
• 252 Atk Zoroark Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Salamence: 163-193 (49.2 - 58.3%) -- 98.4% chance to 2HKO

Defensive Calcs:

• 252+ Atk Conkeldurr Mach Punch vs. 40 HP / 0 Def Zoroark: 230-272 (84.8 - 100.3%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
• 252 SpA Alakazam-Mega Shadow Ball vs. 40 HP / 0 SpD Zoroark: 82-97 (30.2 - 35.7%) -- 40.7% chance to 3HKO

Spark Plug (Electivire) @ Life Orb
Ability: Motor Drive
EVs: 40 HP / 200 Atk / 80 SpA / 188 Spe
Naive Nature
- Wild Charge
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Earthquake
- Toxic

A nice mixed set for my Electivire, with the goal of breaking down Connor's team. Wild Charge is a nice STAB option that allows me to get some good damage off on anything that is hit for neutral, and Charizard. Hidden Power Ice is mainly for the Salamence, but could also wear down Decidueye and Mudsdale. Earthquake hits Raikou. And Toxic hurts his bulky threats a lot. Despite having status-absorbers in Mega Alakazam pre-mega and Guts Conkeldurr (not to mention cleric support in his Aromatisse), I still felt like Toxic was important against certain Pokemon. It helps break down bulky Rotom-Wash and Mudsdale. Mudsdale can potentially take 4 Hidden Power Ices with Assault Vest. Absorbing an Electric type attack from Rotom-Wash or Raikou would also cause Electivire to become faster than Connor's team, even the most relevant Choice Scarf users.

Offensive Calcs:

• Outspeeds relevant Scarf users and Mega Alakazam with a Motor Drive boost.
• 200 Atk Life Orb Electivire Wild Charge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Alakazam-Mega: 251-296 (100 - 117.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 80 SpA Life Orb Electivire Hidden Power Ice vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Salamence: 281-333 (84.8 - 100.6%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
• 200 Atk Life Orb Electivire Wild Charge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Rotom-Wash: 165-196 (68.4 - 81.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 200 Atk Life Orb Electivire Wild Charge vs. 248 HP / 200+ Def Rotom-Wash: 129-152 (42.5 - 50.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 200 Atk Life Orb Electivire Wild Charge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Conkeldurr: 185-218 (52.7 - 62.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after 
• burn damage
• 80 SpA Life Orb Electivire Hidden Power Ice vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mudsdale: 133-159 (32.9 - 39.3%) -- 99.8% chance to 3HKO
• 200 Atk Life Orb Electivire Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Raikou: 333-393 (103.7 - 122.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 200 Atk Life Orb Electivire Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Raikou: 333-393 (86.7 - 102.3%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO 
• after Leftovers recovery
• 200 Atk Life Orb Electivire Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Escavalier: 172-203 (50 - 59%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 200 Atk Life Orb Electivire Wild Charge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Charizard: 437-515 (147.1 - 173.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Defensive Calcs:

• 0 SpA Rotom-Wash Hydro Pump vs. 40 HP / 0- SpD Electivire: 157-186 (52.1 - 61.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252 SpA Life Orb Raikou Shadow Ball vs. 40 HP / 0- SpD Electivire: 133-157 (44.1 - 52.1%) -- 16% chance to 2HKO

Dumbo (Donphan) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Sturdy
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 156 Def / 96 SpD
Impish Nature
- Ice Shard
- Earthquake
- Knock Off
- Rapid Spin

Donphan's main job is to keep hazards off the field and potentially take out the Salamence. It can also help Salazzle by removing items on Connor's team. It also hurts Decidueye and Mega Alakazam. Ice Shard does a lot to Salamence, especially if it doesn't Intimidate Donphan. Earthquake hits for good damage against weaker or weakened foes that are grounded. And Rapid Spin removes opposing hazards like Stealth Rock. Assault Vest can allow this Pokemon to take a hit from the likes of Rotom-Wash, Raikou, and Mega Alakazam, and strike back with Earthquake or Knock Off.

Offensive Calcs:

• 8 Atk Donphan Ice Shard vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Salamence: 164-196 (49.5 - 59.2%) -- 99.6% chance to 2HKO
• 8 Atk Donphan Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Alakazam-Mega: 232-274 (92.4 - 109.1%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO | At that point, I could pick it off with Ice Shard.
• 8 Atk Donphan Knock Off vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Decidueye: 140-166 (47.1 - 55.8%) -- 76.6% chance to 2HKO
• 8 Atk Donphan Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Raikou: 320-380 (99.6 - 118.3%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO
• 8 Atk Donphan Earthquake vs. 172 HP / 0 Def Escavalier: 121-144 (37.3 - 44.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Defensive Calcs:

• 252 SpA Alakazam-Mega Psychic vs. 248 HP / 96 SpD Assault Vest Donphan: 160-190 (41.7 - 49.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
• 252+ SpA Rotom-Wash Hydro Pump vs. 248 HP / 96 SpD Assault Vest Donphan: 300-354 (78.3 - 92.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252 SpA Alakazam-Mega Energy Ball vs. 248 HP / 96 SpD Assault Vest Donphan: 214-254 (55.8 - 66.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252 Atk Decidueye Leaf Blade vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Donphan: 164-194 (42.8 - 50.6%) -- 1.6% chance to 2HKO
• 4 SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Tauros Ice Beam vs. 248 HP / 96 SpD Assault Vest Donphan: 96-114 (25 - 29.7%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
• 252 SpA Choice Specs Raikou Hidden Power Ice vs. 248 HP / 96 SpD Assault Vest Donphan: 158-188 (41.2 - 49%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
• 252 SpA Raikou Hidden Power Ice vs. 248 HP / 96 SpD Assault Vest Donphan: 106-126 (27.6 - 32.8%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
• 252 Atk Salamence Dragon Claw vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Donphan: 85-102 (22.1 - 26.6%) -- 17.1% chance to 4HKO
• 252+ Atk Choice Band Escavalier Megahorn vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Donphan: 211-249 (55 - 65%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252+ Atk Escavalier Megahorn vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Donphan: 141-166 (36.8 - 43.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

The Aftermath

Here is the battle link: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/battlearea-gen7draftleague-33433
Week 6: Toronto Maple Leafeons (AbruptFury) vs. Miami Mimikyus (NohrPrinceXander)
Team that Connor brought: M-Alakazam, Conkeldurr, Rotom-Wash, Mudsdale, Escavalier, Salamence

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Match Summary and Explanations

• So I'm pretty sure he's gonna lead Mudsdale to get up the Stealth Rock. Usually people run that. Although, I went without it this week just so I could opt for other things. However, I didn't know how bulky this Mudsdale was. Maybe it was actually Assault Vest. So I felt it was in my best interest to lead Donphan and stop his Stealth Rock or knock an item off. He does in fact lead the Mudsdale.
• He goes for Toxic as I go for the Knock Off. Mudsdale parts ways with it's Leftovers. Since Connor didn't bring Aromatisse, that pretty much meant no more recovery.
• I didn't want to stay in with Donphan. I knew what kind of set Mudsdale was now. And Stamina boosts would make damage output difficult for Donphan. I swapped into my Kyurem-Black as he set up his Stealth Rock.
• I went for the Substitute expecting the switch. He does in fact switch into Escavalier.
• I get off an Earth Power as he goes for the Knock Off and breaks my Sub. 
• That low Earth Power damage tells me that he is either Assault Vest or very specially bulky. Either way, there isn't much that Kyurem can do to this thicc Bug. So I switched back into Donphan to tank the hit and lose my Assault Vest to another Knock Off.
• Connor sends back in Mudsdale to take whatever my Donphan wants to dish out as I Rapid Spin away the Stealth Rock.
• Back into Kyurem I go, as my opponent decides to Earthquake.
• I'm pretty sure that he's just going to bring back in the Escavalier. I pull a last season strat by trying to freeze the incoming wall, but to no success.
• I went into Electivire to take the Iron Head coming my way.
• Here comes Rotom-Wash on the Wild Charge, which does good damage. 
• I get off a Toxic on the Rotom-Wash just before Electivire goes down to a Hydro Pump. I didn't really want to make the hard Kyurem switch since it was a little too low on health for my liking. I sent Sylveon onto the field.
• If Rotom-Wash was Choice locked, it was Choice locked into Hydro Pump. I threw off a Wish just in case he wanted to attack. He reveals Pain Split which confirms him to not have a Choice item. Therefore, I no longer have to fear the Trick from it.
• I tried to catch the Escavalier coming in by using Hidden Power Fire, but Connor makes a more mid-ground play by opting for Mudsdale.
• Scouting the damage of Mudsdale, I decided to go for Wish. Unfortunately, Heavy Slam from it is a 2HKO. That means that I cannot hope to stall it out. So on the following turn, I had Sylveon keep the Wish for itself so that it could remain healthy. Connor expecting a switch (probably my Salazzle or Donphan to come in and take the Heavy Slam).
• I switch hard into Donphan to take the Heavy Slam, but he opts for Toxic. Glad he didn't go for that earlier. 
• I went for Earthquake to bring this Mudsdale into a better KO range for my Pokemon in the back. He decides to get his Stealth Rock up again.
• Rotom-Wash comes in to eat a hit, but I want those rocks off the field. So I use Rapid Spin.
• Once again, my Kyurem is still rather low. I sac Donphan to the Hydro Pump. Unfortunately, this means that Rotom-Wash can freely Volt Switch around my team. I went back into Sylveon.
• I used Wish as the Rotom-Wash stayed in to Hydro Pump. The next turn, I brought in Kyurem-B to take the Wish. The Pain Split does nothing, and now I am free to set up Substitute in the face of this Rotom-Wash.
• I went for Earth Power to catch the Escavalier once again. I just needed to keep chipping it down. 
• Connor makes a great play by bringing in Mudsdale as I switch to my Salazzle. 
• Unfortunately, Flamethrower is not enough to kill the bulky horse and Salazzle is easily KO'd by an Earthquake. At this point, I am down 3-6. And I just lost the Pokemon that I wanted to sweep his whole team with. I bring in my Kyurem-B.
• Just kidding! It was my sneaky boi, Zoroark. He picks up the KO on Mudsdale with Knock Off. This definitely helps me out a bit. Finally being able to KO one of his mons. Zoroark has one kill. Connor sends back in his Escavalier. 
• This is exactly what I wanted. To bait the Escavalier out. Unfortunately, I've already revealed Knock Off, so Connor knows that this is Zoroark and brings out Conkeldurr. Conkeldurr loses it's Assault Vest. So much special bulk on this team. Makes me wonder if Salazzle really stood a chance of sweeping honestly. Sheesh.
• I brought out my Sylveon to take the Fighting type move, but Connor reads into that and Poison Jabs. It does a lot of damage. 
• So. Since his Conkeldurr doesn't have the Assault Vest anymore, I am confident that I can KO it with Hyper Voice. Thinking ahead to the next turn, I wanted to make sure that my Sylveon was healthy enough to take a hit from whatever wanted to come in. I mean - barring the Escavalier. I went for Protect for the Leftovers recovery as Connor switches into Rotom-Wash.
• Since Protect failed the last turn, I opted for some more free recovery, while Rotom-Wash goes for Volt Switch. 
• Connor decides no more messing around and launches off a Hydro Pump. Sylveon survives and I get my Wish off. 
• I use Protect as Mega Alakazam comes in.
• I switch into my Zoroark to take the incoming Psychic.
• I go for U-turn the following turn, just in case he switches. It does a massive amount of damage. I went into Sylveon expecting the Focus Blast, which does come out. 
• Mega Alakazam goes for another Psychic as I get my Wish up. 
• Mega Alakazam retreats for Rotom-Wash as my Protect fails again.
• Knowing that I can take anything Rotom-Wash wants to go for, I set up yet another Wish as it Pain Splits.
• I proceed to stall out the Rotom-Wash with Toxic and Wish, while using Hyper Voice on turns where I would normally Protect. Eventually, the Rotom falls to the Toxic applied by Electivire. So Electivire gets itself a kill. Connor brings back in Mega Alakzam.
• Sylveon goes for Wish, while Mega Alakazam tries to break it with Psychic.
• Risking the crit, I throw off the Hyper Voice to finish off the Mega Alakazam. That is one kill for Sylveon. The game is tied up 3-3 right now and I feel better now that I'm not gonna get beat 5-0 or 6-0, like I was worried about earlier. Connors opts for his Salamence next.
• Someone call the optometrist, this Salamence needs glasses. It misses an Iron Tail and dies outright to Hyper Voice. That is two kills for Sylveon. I was informed after the battle that Salamence had Wide Lens, so that makes it even worse that it missed since it had heightened accuracy. Anyway, Connor decides to send in his Escavalier now.
• That monster lives my Sylveon's Hidden Power Fire. But Sylveon too shows that it won't be broken so easily and tanks the Iron Head. Another Hidden Power Fire put this Escavalier out of commission. Sylveon's third kill of the game. It is now down to Conkeldurr.
• Where there is a Conkeldurr, there is a way. It is the MVP of this league so far and it could still sweep through my team, being at 83% health. Not wanting to risk a crit Mach Punch, I Protect the first turn for the Leftovers recovery that has been so dear to me all game.
• Conkeldurr's Mach Punch fails to KO and Sylveon gets it's fourth kill of the game to win the match! The Toronto Maple Leafeons close out that game with a 3-0 victory, bringing our season record to 5-1!

In Conclusion

Good game to Connor. I definitely feel like things could have gone a lot differently. I'm not surprised that it took so long for you to receive your first loss. Your team is very well constructed. It reminds me a lot of Ralker's team from last season, which also had a great time in that league and winning him the blue conference. There is a lot of power on this team and I could definitely see it winning the whole thing will your skill and a little luck. 'Cause in Pokemon, you sure gotta rely on it sometimes. Evident by our match.

I won't say that I played the best this match, but I do feel like I played to my outs and Sylveon sure put in a lot of work. Easily the MVP of the game. Something I might've done differently could've been how I played my Kyurem-B after Salazzle went down. Kyurem-B became the Pokemon at the back of my party, and I know how tough it can be to play around Kyurem. So centralizing, that I didn't even have to bring the first three weeks. My opponents still had to be ready for it every time. 

Sylveon has slipped passed Electivire as my top Pokemon in the MVP race. I hope that it will put in even more success for me later down the road. 

Thank you for reading my report. My next opponent will be Ryan. A veteran of this league. Who knows what kind of tricks he may have up his sleeve? Until then, I will see you later. This is Tommy aka AbruptFury, signing out.

NBA Season 6 Week 5: Toronto Maple Leafeons

Greetings, mes amies! This is once again Tommy aka AbruptFury. I am the coach of the Toronto Maple Leafeons. And I am here to give you my report for my latest match.

This week, I faced yet another newcomer to the National Battling Association. His name is Ryo. He has himself a Youtube with some other league stuff he has doing, so I know that he is experienced in the format. His team is also ungodly bulky. Clefable, Suicune, Celesteela, and Cresselia. All Pokemon that are tough to break. He also managed to get himself Krookodile and Arcanine, so he has that Intimidate option, and rounds out his bulk with some heavy offensive power. They are probably two of the best Pokemon of their types to have in a league format. I myself have drafted Arcanine many a time. So let's see if we can't BREAK THE WALLS DOWN!

The Team Line-ups

My Team : Kyurem-B, Scizor, Sylveon, Vaporeon, Salazzle(Z), Zoroark, Electivire(Z), Dhelmise, Donphan, Mesprit(Z), Sawk

Ryo (Pittsburgh Huge Powers): Celesteela, Latios, Cresselia, Krookodile(Z), Arcanine(Z), Froslass, Roselia, Clefable, Hitmonlee, Piloswine, Suicune(Z)

The Game Plan

Bane (Kyurem-Black) @ Life Orb
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Ice Beam
- Iron Head
- Fusion Bolt
- Roost

Kyurem-Black has an extremely good matchup against my opponent's team. The type coverage in it's movepool is absolutely perfect here. Ice Beam hurts Latios, Krookodile, and Roselia (as well as most other things). Iron Head breaks Clefable, Froslass, and Piloswine. And Fusion Bolt hits Celesteela and Suicune for big damage. Fusion Bolt can also KO his Hitmonlee if it switches in. Initially, I wanted Substitute on this set, but Life Orb attacks were so good, and Life Orb can really chip down my main attacker. So I decided that Roost would be the better way to go. I could've just relied on Vaporeon, but it wouldn't have been too good if I lost it. Eventually, Kyurem-B would probably succumb to the Life Orb recoil and Stealth Rock (if I weren't able to remove it).

Offensive Calcs:

• Speedties other base 95s like Arcanine.
• 252 SpA Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-Black Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Latios: 330-393 (109.6 - 130.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 4 Atk Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-Black Fusion Bolt vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Celesteela: 291-343 (86.8 - 102.3%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
• 252 SpA Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-Black Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Krookodile: 484-569 (146.2 - 171.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 4 Atk Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-Black Fusion Bolt vs. 252 HP / 132+ Def Celesteela: 234-276 (58.7 - 69.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 252 SpA Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-Black Earth Power vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Arcanine: 291-343 (75.9 - 89.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
• 4 Atk Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-Black Iron Head vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Froslass: 320-377 (113.8 - 134.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 4 Atk Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-Black Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Clefable: 211-250 (53.5 - 63.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 4 Atk Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-Black Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Eviolite Piloswine: 192-229 (47.5 - 56.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
• 4 Atk Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-Black Fusion Bolt vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Hitmonlee: 246-290 (102 - 120.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 4 Atk Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-Black Fusion Bolt vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Suicune: 265-315 (65.5 - 77.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Ariel (Vaporeon) @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Wish
- Protect
- Haze

Vaporeon has been very useful in taking hits this season, and stalling teams out. Welllll that's what I'm hoping it can do again this week. With strong offensive threats like Krookodile and Arcanine, I knew I wanted something that could deal with both of them well. Sylveon can take hits from Krookodile, but Arcanine resists Fairy type moves and could bop it around while Sylveon struggles to stall it. Of course - with Vaporeon, you gotta watch out for the Wild Charge from Arcanine, but I felt confident in my ability to deal with it after my match against Thunderpunch Buzzwole, and with the rest of the team that I decided to bring. Scald could deal major damage to Krookodile and Arcanine, as well as snag a nice burn. Wish and Protect are pretty standard for me. They just help with healing and scouting. Haze, however, was for this matchup specifically. I didn't feel like Roar would be enough, especially if the match came down to last mon Suicune, because then I wouldn't be able to phaze it out into another Pokemon. Ryo's team has a ton of setup capability in Calm Mind, Swords Dance, Moxie, and Beast Boost.

Offensive Calcs:

• 4 SpA Vaporeon Scald vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Arcanine: 224-266 (69.7 - 82.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 4 SpA Vaporeon Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Krookodile: 254-300 (76.7 - 90.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 4 SpA Vaporeon Scald vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Hitmonlee: 87-103 (36 - 42.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Defensive Calcs:

• +3 0 SpA Suicune Hidden Power Electric vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Vaporeon: 206-244 (44.3 - 52.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 252+ SpA Celesteela Giga Drain vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Vaporeon: 164-194 (35.3 - 41.8%) -- 83.4% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 252 Atk Arcanine Gigavolt Havoc (175 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Vaporeon: 334-394 (71.9 - 84.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 252 Atk Choice Band Arcanine Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Vaporeon: 258-304 (55.6 - 65.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 252 Atk Life Orb Arcanine Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Vaporeon: 224-265 (48.2 - 57.1%) -- 36.3% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 252 Atk Krookodile Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Vaporeon: 150-177 (32.3 - 38.1%) -- 0.8% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 252 Atk Choice Band Krookodile Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Vaporeon: 223-264 (48 - 56.8%) -- 36.3% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 252+ Atk Reckless Hitmonlee High Jump Kick vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Vaporeon: 261-307 (56.2 - 66.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery | I can Protect and gain enough recovery from Lefties to live the next hit. Hi Jump Kick crash does 50% to him.

Lisa Simpson (Salazzle) @ Poisonium Z
Ability: Corrosion
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 56 HP / 252 SpA / 200 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Flamethrower
- Sludge Wave
- Encore
- Nasty Plot

Salazzle has another good matchup this week. Which is very good. I'm glad I can get some use out this pick, since I was so on the fence about it. Another Nasty Plot set to be able to sweep my opponent if I can get going. This also works best if I can get rid of some items on my opponent's Pokemon, so I tried to incorporate some Knock Off onto my team as you will see later on. Flamethrower does a number to Celesteela, Roselia, Froslass, and even Eviolite Piloswine. Sludge Wave hits Clefable. If Salazzle has a Nasty Plot boost, nothing is really safe. Especially if I get chip on certain Pokemon like Suicune and Cresselia. Poisonium Z is meant for those two if I can get a little bit of chip onto Clefable. Having it switch into one of my Knock Off users would be ideal, since it might be Magic Guard instead of Unaware, and won't take hazard damage. Encore is meant to look something like Clefable, Roselia, or Froslass into a move that can't really do much to Salazzle. This could work after one of my Pokemon get taken out or on a good switch. Otherwise, I might take some unnecessary damage or status move. This would make it easy to get off a Nasty Plot to help sweep Ryo's team.

Offensive Calcs:

• Outspeeds max speed Latios and Froslass by 2 points. Couldn't just make it one.
• 252 SpA Salazzle Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 124 SpD Celesteela: 234-276 (58.7 - 69.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 252 SpA Salazzle Flamethrower vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Celesteela: 260-308 (77.3 - 91.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• +2 252 SpA Salazzle Flamethrower vs. 232 HP / 24 SpD Eviolite Thick Fat Piloswine: 254-302 (63.6 - 75.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• +2 252 SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 252 HP / 40 SpD Suicune: 237-280 (58.6 - 69.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• +2 252 SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Suicune: 246-289 (72.1 - 84.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 252 SpA Salazzle Acid Downpour (175 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Clefable: 558-656 (141.6 - 166.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Leftovers recovery
• 252 SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Clefable: 306-360 (77.6 - 91.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• +2 252 SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Latios: 255-301 (84.7 - 100%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
• +2 252 SpA Salazzle Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Krookodile: 351-414 (106 - 125%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• +2 252 SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Arcanine: 334-394 (87.2 - 102.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
• +2 252 SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Arcanine: 334-394 (104 - 122.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Defensive Calcs:

• 0 SpA Suicune Scald vs. 56 HP / 0 SpD Salazzle: 240-284 (82.4 - 97.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252+ Atk Piloswine Ice Shard vs. 56 HP / 0 Def Salazzle: 45-54 (15.4 - 18.5%) -- possible 6HKO
• 252 Atk Choice Band Arcanine Extreme Speed vs. 56 HP / 0 Def Salazzle: 175-207 (60.1 - 71.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Dr Claw (Scizor) @ Choice Band
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Bullet Punch
- U-turn
- Knock Off
- Defog

I knew Scizor's Banded U-turn would be useful to have in this matchup. Big damage off on Cresselia and Suicune. Gets me out of an Arcanine switch in so that I may go into something with a better matchup. Bullet Punch is amazing when it comes to revenge killing weakened foes and frail Pokemon like Hitmonlee and Froslass. It would also be a good way of dealing with Clefable, a very defensive Pokemon. Knock Off helps remove items like a Choice Scarf on Latios, Krookodile, and Arcanine, Leftovers on Clefable, Suicune, and Celesteela, and Eviolite on Piloswine. All these things would help Salazzle immensely. And Defog was a bit of filler, but also for the fact that I had no other hazard control. Choice Band gives Scizor a lot of power in beating Pokemon down with it's attacks.

Offensive Calcs:

• 252+ Atk Choice Band Scizor U-turn vs. 252 HP / 232+ Def Cresselia: 242-288 (54.5 - 64.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 252+ Atk Choice Band Scizor U-turn vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Suicune: 168-198 (49.1 - 57.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
• 252+ Atk Choice Band Scizor U-turn vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Latios: 452-534 (150.1 - 177.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 252+ Atk Choice Band Technician Scizor Bullet Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Clefable: 284-336 (72 - 85.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• -1 252+ Atk Choice Band Scizor U-turn vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Krookodile: 302-356 (91.2 - 107.5%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
• 252+ Atk Choice Band Scizor U-turn vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Krookodile: 452-534 (136.5 - 161.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 252+ Atk Choice Band Scizor U-turn vs. 252 HP / 32 Def Eviolite Roselia: 220-261 (72.3 - 85.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252+ Atk Choice Band Technician Scizor Bullet Punch vs. 232 HP / 0 Def Eviolite Piloswine: 260-308 (65.1 - 77.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO | Knock Off + Bullet Punch will easily beat it.
• 252+ Atk Choice Band Technician Scizor Bullet Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Hitmonlee: 267-315 (110.7 - 130.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• -1 252+ Atk Choice Band Technician Scizor Bullet Punch vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Arcanine: 45-53 (11.7 - 13.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever | Just in case it is within range, I don't have to risk anything else on the switch.
• - 252+ Atk Choice Band Technician Scizor Bullet Punch vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Froslass: 434-512 (153.9 - 181.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Defensive Calcs:

• 252 SpA Suicune Hydro Pump vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Scizor: 168-198 (59.7 - 70.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• +1 4 SpA Cresselia Hidden Power Fire vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Scizor: 248-292 (88.2 - 103.9%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO
• 252 Atk Krookodile Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Scizor: 153-180 (54.4 - 64%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Spark Plug (Electivire) @ Expert Belt
Ability: Motor Drive
EVs: 24 HP / 252 Atk / 232 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Wild Charge
- Ice Punch
- Low Sweep
- Toxic

Electivire was meant to deal with Celesteela and Suicune, two big threats that my opponent would likely bring. They can be tough, bulky sweepers. Wild Charge would beat them down nice though. Ice Punch was for Latios, Krookodile, and Roselia. Low Sweep was mostly meant to slow things down (such as Krookodile, Arcanine, and Latios), but could also damage Krookodile and Piloswine. Toxic was for wearing down bulky threats like Cresselia and Suicune if they didn't have Rest. This was probably one of the more essential teammates for this match. I needed to be wary of Krookodile and Earthquake/Stomping Tantrum from Celesteela though.

Offensive Calcs:

• Outspeeds max speed Krookodile by 1 point.
• 252 Atk Expert Belt Electivire Wild Charge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Celesteela: 331-391 (98.8 - 116.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
• 252 Atk Expert Belt Electivire Wild Charge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Suicune: 302-355 (88.5 - 104.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
• 252 Atk Expert Belt Electivire Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Suicune: 305-360 (75.4 - 89.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 252 Atk Expert Belt Electivire Low Sweep vs. 232 HP / 0 Def Eviolite Piloswine: 134-158 (33.5 - 39.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
• 252 Atk Expert Belt Electivire Low Sweep vs. 232 HP / 0 Def Piloswine: 199-235 (49.8 - 58.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
• -1 252 Atk Expert Belt Electivire Low Sweep vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Krookodile: 132-156 (39.8 - 47.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
• -1 252 Atk Expert Belt Electivire Ice Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Krookodile: 151-180 (45.6 - 54.3%) -- 54.3% chance to 2HKO
• 252 Atk Expert Belt Electivire Low Sweep vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Krookodile: 197-233 (59.5 - 70.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252 Atk Expert Belt Electivire Ice Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Krookodile: 228-269 (68.8 - 81.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252 Atk Expert Belt Electivire Ice Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Latios: 228-269 (75.7 - 89.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252 Atk Expert Belt Electivire Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 32 Def Eviolite Roselia: 223-264 (73.3 - 86.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Defensive Calcs:

• 252+ Atk Celesteela Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 24 Def Electivire: 270-318 (92.7 - 109.2%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO
• 252 SpA Suicune Hydro Pump vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Electivire: 160-190 (54.9 - 65.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Dumbo (Donphan) @ Leftovers 
Ability: Sturdy 
EVs: 240 HP / 24 Atk / 236 Def / 8 Spe 
Impish Nature 
- Stealth Rock 
- Earthquake 
- Knock Off 
- Roar

Donphan could tank hits from the likes of Hitmonlee (which nothing else really wanted to), Krookodile, and Arcanine. It was my way of setting up Stealth Rock this week, which I knew I wanted to have against this kind of team. It helped Salazzle's offensive damage output and made it easier for Salazzle to stay alive because it didn't have to risk missing out on the KO. Earthquake would make quick work of Arcanine without recovery, Krookodile, and Hitmonlee. |Knock Off would get rid of pesky items. And Roar would force the switch on a Pokemon that was trying to set up on me. Extremely useful against Suicune and Cresselia which could otherwise just set up in front of it without fearing much.

Offensive Calcs:

• Speed creeps speedcreeping Piloswine (since both are in the same speed tier, but tend to run full bulk).
• 24 Atk Donphan Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Arcanine: 308-366 (95.9 - 114%) -- 75% chance to OHKO
• 24 Atk Donphan Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Krookodile: 154-183 (46.5 - 55.2%) -- 98.8% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
• -1 24 Atk Donphan Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Krookodile: 103-123 (31.1 - 37.1%) -- 100% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock
• 24 Atk Donphan Earthquake vs. 232 HP / 0 Def Eviolite Piloswine: 103-123 (25.8 - 30.8%) -- guaranteed 4HKO | Good calc for knowing if I should attack or switch.
• 24 Atk Donphan Earthquake vs. 232 HP / 0 Def Piloswine: 154-183 (38.5 - 45.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
• 24 Atk Donphan Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Hitmonlee: 211-250 (87.5 - 103.7%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
• 24 Atk Donphan Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Latios: 200-236 (66.4 - 78.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 24 Atk Donphan Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 232+ Def Cresselia: 108-128 (24.3 - 28.8%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery | No guarantee that Substitute would remain intact.
• 24 Atk Donphan Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Froslass: 222-262 (79 - 93.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

Defensive Calcs:

• 252 Atk Choice Band Krookodile Earthquake vs. 240 HP / 236+ Def Donphan: 145-172 (38 - 45.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 252 Atk Life Orb Arcanine Flare Blitz vs. 240 HP / 236+ Def Donphan: 146-173 (38.3 - 45.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 252+ Atk Reckless Hitmonlee High Jump Kick vs. 240 HP / 236+ Def Donphan: 169-201 (44.3 - 52.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

The Aftermath

Here is the battle link: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/battlearea-gen7draftleague-32795

Week 5: Toronto Maple Leafeons (AbruptFury) vs. Pittsburgh Huge Powers (Ryohyamaru)

Team that Ryo brought: Latios, Celesteela, Arcanine, Roselia, Piloswine, Krookodile

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Match Summary and Explanations

• I decided to lead my Donphan to get up rocks in the beginning of the match. I figured he might just do the same. I led Donphan into Latios.
• I just decided to get up my Stealth Rock as he reveals himself to be Hidden Power Ice.
• Knowing that he can't touch my Scizor with his Latios, I switch into Scizor as he makes a great read and goes into Arcanine.
• That play forced me into a position where I had to take either a Flare Blitz or Wild Charge/Gigavolt Havoc. I decided to risk the Electric attack and went Vaporeon. He just goes for an Extremespeed, but unfortunately it gets a crit. 
• An Electric attack would be the end of Vaporeon, but a good prediction with Arcanine could get him some good damage against Electivire while I try to get the Motor Drive boost. So I just went for Protect trying to see what he wanted to go for. He went into Roselia. 
• Fearing the Grass type move, I brought in my Kyurem-Black. Roselia goes for Leaf Storm and it does a huge chunk. This all but confirms that that thing is Choice Specs.
• Since he lost a lot of offense pressure with the Special Attack drop, I decided to go for a safe Roost as he switched out Roselia for Piloswine. 
• I knew I wouldn't be able to more than a 3HKO against Eviolite Piloswine, so I swapped Kyurem-B out for Vaporeon. Vaporeon took the Earthquake not as good as I'd hoped.
• I risked the crit and went for Wish. I did not get crit and lived to Protect the next turn. Piloswine got up it's Stealth Rock.
• I went for another Wish as Roselia came in. I let my Vaporeon have it to keep it healthy because I knew it was important for the matchup. It could reliably switch in to his threats so well. 
• However, Roselia forced me to switch again. This time into Scizor, who took the attack better than Kyurem-B. Nice 4x resist. 
• So he goes into Celesteela. I knew he would want to switch, so I tried to knock off and important item. Leftovers on Celesteela wasn't really anything scaring me, but it's nice that it lost it's recovery item.
• I didn't think that he would go for Heavy Slam on a Scizor, so I switched into Kyurem-B and took the Earthquake comfortably.
• Kyurem-B goes for Fusion Bolt and knocks out the Celesteela. First blood goes to Kyurem-B. In comes Latios.
• I knew Latios could easily revenge kill by dropping a Draco, so I brought back in Scizor. He reveals himself to be Dragon Dance and I get a little scared. 
• Earthquake takes out Scizor as I try to get a U-turn off. I was not bulky enough to survive it. There's only one mon I can depend on now, and that is Haze Vaporeon!
• Vaporeon takes the boosted Zen Headbutt and does not flinch, luckily. It gets the Haze off and Latios' stats are back to neutral.
• I got my Wish up once again as Latios tries to flinch me or get some damage with Zen Headbutt. 
• I didn't want Latios Dragon Dancing for free on my Protect so I threw off a Scald, it went into Roselia as it came in though.
• I decided to sack Donphan for the free Salazzle switch and setup.
• He brings in Arcanine on my Nasty Plot.
• Espeed does a lot of damage, but Salazzle gets the KO with Acid Downpour. I could've saved it for something else in the back, but I didn't even know if Salazzle would survive the Espeed or if the Arcanine might be Assault Vest since Extremespeed was a crit. Anyway, kill for Salazzle. Piloswine returns.
• I thought Salazzle might live an Ice Shard due to it being resisted, but Salazzle was too worn down. I send Vaporeon back in.
• I decided to Wish first to scout what he might go for. I'm glad I did since Piloswine got a crit with it's Earthquake. 
• Knowing I was faster than Piloswine, I threw off a Scald. In came Latios, and no burn. Vaporeon was healed.
• My plan was to keep switching between Wish and Scald/Haze. I knew I would neutralize Latios eventually. It was only a matter of time.
• I knew Latios' whole moveset and knew that it couldn't do anything to Kyurem-B with that burn. So I passed a Wish into it as it survived the Stealth Rock and Zen Headbutt damage. 
• I went for Roost just to solidify my chances against it, and beat the Latios with Ice Beam. Two kills for Kyurem-B. He brings in Krookodile.
• Time to see whether it was Choice Scarf the whole time. It was not. I kind of figured it wasn't when he avoided sending it in on Salazzle, though you could say it was just safer to use Piloswine's priority. But resisted priority is risky unless you know the calcs. Anyway, it might not have been the best call, but my gut told me things would be alright. Ice Beam took out the Krookodile with no trouble. Kyurem-B now has three kills. What a rampage! Ryo sends in Piloswine.
• Piloswine is easily disposed of after two Iron Heads. Kyurem-B gets it's fourth kill of the game. Roselia is the only thing standing.
• Kyurem-B takes out Roselia with Ice Beam and seal up the game 3-0, which 5 kills! An amazing feat! The Toronto Maple Leafeons now stand with a record of 4-1.

In Conclusion

Good game to Ryo! Now - it turned out that Ryo had actually mistakenly prepped for the other Toronto team in the league, the Toronto Staraptors. But in a weird twist of fate, his sets actually kind of worked. Yes, he did leave himself open to be beat by Kyurem-B (since he didn't have a Choice Scarf user or Dragon type move on Latios), but Roselia did a good job in pressuring my Vaporeon's Wish pass support. Everything took a good amount of damage from it, especially after Scizor went down. And the Stealth Rock was weakening my team with every switch I made, so I had to make that Donphan sac to get back some momentum. And the Latios set probably would have won him the game, or beat my team down enough to where he would have won, if he had flinched my Vaporeon to death with Zen Headbutt. The burn was basically needed for me to be able to close out the game safely. That way, Latios couldn't break my Vaporeon. Also, shoutout to Vaporeon for being a glorious wall. But yeah, if there was anything I could take away from that match, it was how thinking out of the box can be a really innovative way of playing this game we call Pokemon.

So week 5 has come to close and we are still standing pretty strong. Next, we face the Miami Mimikyus. They are coached by Connor. Another newcomer to our league. Really make you wonder just how many originals are around when there are so many new faces. Connor's team is very well balanced. It resembles something that Ralker used last season to great success. Connor is currently the last undefeated coach in our league. Let's see if we can't change that, huh. This is Tommy aka AbruptFury, signing out!