Sunday 29 April 2018

NBA Season 6 Week 11: Toronto Maple Leafeons

The season is starting to wrap up and the playoffs are right around the corner. The playoffs picture is looking really close for the wild card spots. With a bunch of people sitting at 6 wins, and ones who could clinch it in the final 2 weeks. I've been sitting at #2 for a while since Black117 (Kiev) refuses to lose. But I am close on his heels. Let's see if we can't nab that #1 before the season ends. To do so, we will need to be beat Ralker. He has experience in this league and had a remarkable record in his debut season. Only losing to Bruno in the regular season, and EZ for the championship match. I won't lie. His team looks pretty tough for me to build against. But I am up for a challenge.

The Team Line-ups

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

Ralker (Orlando Magikarp): Tapu Koko, Garchomp, Hawlucha, Amoonguss, Alomomola, Garbodor, Sneasel(Z), Alakazam(Z), Darmanitan(Z), Snorlax, Registeel

The Game Plan

Bane (Kyurem-Black) @ Leftovers
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Ice Beam
- Fusion Bolt
- Earth Power

- Substitute

Kyurem-Black does really well against his team. It's coverage is just too good to pass up on. Ice Beam deals with Garchomp, Hawlucha and Amoonguss. Fusion Bolt hits the Alomomola, and can take advantage of Tapu Koko's Electric Surge for boosted damage output. Earth Power hits the Registeel, Tapu Koko, Garbodor, and Darmanitan. Since Ralker has a lot of fast bois on his team, and slower ones like Amoonguss and Alomomola make for great setup fodder, I put Substitute on Kyurem. That was it doesn't matter if the Pokemon outspeeds, I always get a hit off on something. Leftovers helps heal off chip damage from hazards and making Substitutes.

Offensive Calcs:
  • Speedties max speed boosting nature Darmanitan.
  • 252 SpA Teravolt Kyurem-Black Ice Beam vs. 152 HP / 8 SpD Hawlucha: 402-474 (120 - 141.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • 252 SpA Teravolt Kyurem-Black Ice Beam vs. 248 HP / 216+ SpD Amoonguss: 240-284 (55.6 - 65.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery
  • 4 Atk Teravolt Kyurem-Black Fusion Bolt vs. 40 HP / 216+ Def Alomomola in Electric Terrain: 296-350 (61.5 - 72.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • 252 SpA Teravolt Kyurem-Black Ice Beam vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Garchomp: 640-756 (178.7 - 211.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • 252 SpA Teravolt Kyurem-Black Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Tapu Koko: 236-278 (83.9 - 98.9%) -- 75% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
  • 252 SpA Teravolt Kyurem-Black Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Darmanitan: 298-352 (84.9 - 100.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
  • 252 SpA Teravolt Kyurem-Black Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Registeel: 102-120 (28 - 32.9%) -- 85.4% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery | Not the best damage, but it's the best thing Kyurem-B can do to it.
  • 252 SpA Teravolt Kyurem-Black Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Garbodor: 220-260 (60.4 - 71.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 4 Atk Teravolt Kyurem-Black Fusion Bolt vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Sneasel: 184-217 (73.3 - 86.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 4 Atk Teravolt Kyurem-Black Fusion Bolt vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Sneasel in Electric Terrain: 276-325 (109.9 - 129.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Defensive Calcs:
  • 252 SpA Life Orb Tapu Koko Dazzling Gleam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Kyurem-Black: 299-354 (76.4 - 90.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • 0 SpA Alomomola Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Kyurem-Black: 24-28 (6.1 - 7.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
Ariel (Vaporeon) @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Wish
- Protect
- Haze

Vaporeon is my best means of tanking Darmanitan, which otherwise would run through my team. But it could take a hit from something like Snorlax or Garchomp. Scald hits Darmanitan hard. It can burn his physical attackers, effectively crippling them. Except for maybe Snorlax, which likes to run Rest and Facade. Wish and Protect keep this Pokemon alive and works as great team support. This is very important in a match where Darmanitan rips me apart. Haze is to help stop Ralker's setup ability. Why Haze specifically? Because something like Roar has negative priority, meaning the opponent would always get a hit off. Something like a Curse Snorlax that has gotten off multiple boosts. Vaporeon would always be faster after one Curse. It's already naturally faster. But the main issue here is CurseLax. It's a powerful set when paired with Gluttony berry in this generation. Rocky Helmet works well with Rocky Helmet so that I can wear Snorlax down if it decides to just try chipping away at Vaporeon. This really is a Snorlax counter set. Though something weird like Seed Bomb Snorlax with Rest could bypass this. That is a weird set for sure, but you never know what to expect in league format. You have to consider everything. I wish I had Ice Beam for Garchomp. I ultimately decided that Snorlax was a bigger problem though.

Offensive Calcs:
  • 4 SpA Vaporeon Scald vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Darmanitan: 302-356 (86 - 101.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
Defensive Calcs:
  • 252 Atk Life Orb Sheer Force Darmanitan Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Vaporeon: 172-203 (37 - 43.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
  • 0 Atk Snorlax Frustration vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Vaporeon: 118-139 (25.4 - 29.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
  • 252 Atk Life Orb Garchomp Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Vaporeon: 208-247 (44.8 - 53.2%) -- 32% chance to 2HKO
  • 252 Atk Choice Band Sneasel Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Vaporeon: 189-223 (40.7 - 48%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
  • 252+ Atk Hawlucha High Jump Kick vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Vaporeon: 181-214 (39 - 46.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
  • 252 Atk Poison Barb Garbodor Gunk Shot vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Vaporeon: 186-220 (40 - 47.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
Trickywi (Sylveon) @ Leftovers
Ability: Cute Charm
EVs: 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 SpA
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Moonblast
- Calm Mind
- Psyshock
- Heal Bell

Sylveon can take a hit from something like Hawlucha or Garchomp, and fire back with a super effective hit. On top of that, it can set up boosts with Calm Mind. It can become a huge problem offensively and defensively. I opted for Moonblast over Hyper Voice with Pixilate since I was worried about Throat Chop coming out from Pokemon like Sneasel and Hawlucha. Psyshock can deal with things that resist Sylveon's Moonblast like Amoonguss, Garbodor, and Darmanitan. I considered running a Hidden Power for Registeel, but decided that Sylveon just couldn't cover that Pokemon very well, even with boosts. And Registeel threatens Sylveon with Iron Head. So I went with Heal Bell. It helps against Registeel's Thunder Wave or Toxic, Amoonguss' Spore, Alomomola's Toxic, and poison from Garbodor (which outspeeds Sylveon no matter what). Leftovers can help Sylveon stick around longer, to continue being a problem for Ralker. Cute Charm can infatuated a physical attacker of the opposite gender of Sylveon and cause them to lose turns to the attraction.

Offensive Calcs:

  • 64 SpA Sylveon Moonblast vs. 152 HP / 8 SpD Hawlucha: 338-402 (100.8 - 120%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • +1 64 SpA Sylveon Moonblast vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Garchomp: 408-480 (113.9 - 134%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • +2 64 SpA Sylveon Psyshock vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Garbodor: 310-366 (102.9 - 121.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • +2 64 SpA Sylveon Moonblast vs. 40 HP / 252 SpD Alomomola: 294-346 (61.1 - 71.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
  • +3 64 SpA Sylveon Psyshock vs. 248 HP / 44 Def Amoonguss: 418-492 (96.9 - 114.1%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after Black Sludge recovery

Defensive Calcs:

  • 0 Atk Garbodor Gunk Shot vs. 252 HP / 192+ Def Sylveon: 248-294 (62.9 - 74.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • 252+ Atk Hawlucha Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 252 HP / 192+ Def Sylveon: 157-186 (39.8 - 47.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • 252 Atk Life Orb Garchomp Poison Jab vs. 252 HP / 192+ Def Sylveon: 229-270 (58.1 - 68.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • 0 SpA Amoonguss Sludge Bomb vs. +1 252 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon: 92-110 (23.3 - 27.9%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
Spark Plug (Electivire) @ BrightPowder
Ability: Motor Drive
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature 
- Discharge
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Psychic
- Cross Chop

Electivire's coverage is very nice in this matchup. Especially against Ralker's Alomomola and Amoonguss (Regenerator core). It also discourages Tapu Koko's Electric type attacks and Electric Terrain with it's Motor Drive ability and Electric type moves. Discharge was the move of choice since Ralker has some pretty fast Pokemon. I like the higher chance of paralysis on Discharge vs. Thunderbolt. The base power difference doesn't really matter too much when Ralker can set up Electric Terrain for Electivire. Hidden Power Ice hits Garchomp very hard. Psychic is for his Amoonguss and Garbodor. Cross Chop hits both Registeel and Snorlax. A critical hit through Snorlax's Curse boosts would be amazing to get. The item choice was Brightpowder so that I could try and mess with the Hawlucha's High Jump Kick, since Electivire is the only thing I have that resists Acrobatics. Donphan can take at least one High Jump Kick too, but Ralker might just be tempted to use Acrobatics on that. I found out later on that this might have been an illegal item, but I'll talk more about that later.

Offensive Calcs:

  • Speedties max speed, Nature-boosted Darmanitan.
  • 252 SpA Electivire Discharge vs. 40 HP / 252 SpD Alomomola: 264-312 (54.8 - 64.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • 252 SpA Electivire Psychic vs. 252 HP / 72+ SpD Amoonguss: 158-188 (36.5 - 43.5%) -- 98.6% chance to 3HKO after Black Sludge recovery
  • 252 SpA Electivire Hidden Power Ice vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Garchomp: 244-288 (68.1 - 80.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252 SpA Electivire Discharge vs. 152 HP / 8 SpD Hawlucha in Electric Terrain: 458-540 (136.7 - 161.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • 252 SpA Electivire Discharge vs. 152 HP / 8 SpD Hawlucha: 306-360 (91.3 - 107.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
  • 4 Atk Electivire Cross Chop vs. 188 HP / 128 Def Snorlax on a critical hit: 310-366 (61 - 72%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • 4 Atk Electivire Cross Chop vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Registeel: 122-144 (33.5 - 39.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
  • 252 SpA Electivire Psychic vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Garbodor: 188-222 (51.6 - 60.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 4 Atk Electivire Cross Chop vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Eviolite Sneasel: 372-440 (118.4 - 140.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Defensive Calcs:

  • 252 SpA Tapu Koko Dazzling Gleam vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Electivire: 135-159 (46.3 - 54.6%) -- 56.3% chance to 2HKO
  • 252 Atk Choice Band Sneasel Ice Shard vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Electivire: 109-130 (37.4 - 44.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
  • +2 252+ Atk Hawlucha Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Electivire: 216-255 (74.2 - 87.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Dumbo (Donphan) @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Ice Shard
- Roar

I knew Donphan would be important in the matchup, even though it's doesn't handle the Regen core very well. It takes on other things like Garchomp, Hawlucha, Registeel, Darmanitan, Garbodor, and physical Tapu Koko. Since it has such a good ability to switch in to various Pokemon, it means that I have an easy time getting my Stealth Rock up. Earthquake hits everything for neutral, except for Hawlucha which is immune. Ice Shard can hit it for super effective, as well as doing a ton to Garchomp and picking off faster, weakened foes. Roar stops set up moves from Curse Snorlax and Swords Dance Hawlucha/Garchomp. Leftovers helps recover off damage and chip alive, as well as keeping it's Sturdy ability intact so that I may take one big hit indefinitely. The massive physically defensive investment went into Donphan so that it could take hits from Sheer Force Darmanitan, which destroys everything else on my team.

Offensive Calcs:

  • 4 Atk Donphan Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Tapu Koko: 288-342 (102.4 - 121.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • 4 Atk Donphan Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 200+ Def Garbodor: 218-258 (59.8 - 70.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 4 Atk Donphan Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Garbodor: 296-350 (98.3 - 116.2%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO
  • 4 Atk Donphan Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Registeel: 180-212 (49.4 - 58.2%) -- 66% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • 4 Atk Donphan Ice Shard vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Garchomp: 144-172 (40.2 - 48%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
  • 4 Atk Donphan Ice Shard vs. 152 HP / 0 Def Hawlucha: 88-104 (26.2 - 31%) -- guaranteed 4HKO


Defensive Calcs:

  • 252 Atk Sheer Force Darmanitan Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Donphan: 171-202 (44.5 - 52.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • 252 Atk Life Orb Sheer Force Darmanitan Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Donphan: 222-263 (57.8 - 68.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • 0 Atk Garbodor Seed Bomb vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Donphan: 70-84 (18.2 - 21.8%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • 252+ Atk Hawlucha High Jump Kick vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Donphan: 118-139 (30.7 - 36.1%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • 252 Atk Choice Band Garchomp Outrage vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Donphan: 186-220 (48.4 - 57.2%) -- 45.3% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • 252 SpA Tapu Koko Hidden Power Ice vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Donphan: 160-190 (41.6 - 49.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • +2 0 Atk Snorlax Frustration vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Donphan: 151-178 (39.3 - 46.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
Dr Claw (Scizor) @ Protective Pads
Ability: Technician
EVs: 112 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 140 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Bullet Punch
- U-turn
- Aerial Ace
- Defog

Scizor can U-turn all over Pokemon like Alomomola, Amoonguss, Snorlax, and Registeel like it's nothing. Maybe even Sneasel too. U-turn does some chip damage and gets initiative if Ralker decides to switch out into something else. Protective Pads pair with this so that Scizor doesn't get chipped down by Rocky Helmet,Garchomp's Rough Skin ability, or Garbodor's Aftermath ability. Bullet Punch can out-prioritize Ice Shard from Sneasel and take it out. It can also pick off weakened and faster foes. Aerial Ace hits Hawlucha pretty good; decently good if it has the Electric Seed Defense boost. And Defog removes field hazards like Stealth Rock, Spikes, and Toxic Spikes. Since it's a Steel type, it comes in on Toxic Spikes without getting poisoned. That's pretty convenient.

Offensive Calcs:

  • Outspeeds physically defensive Garbodor with 56 Speed EVs by 1 point.
  • 252+ Atk Technician Scizor Bullet Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Sneasel: 348-410 (138.6 - 163.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • 252+ Atk Technician Scizor Bullet Punch vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Garchomp: 112-133 (31.2 - 37.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
  • 252+ Atk Technician Scizor Bullet Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Tapu Koko: 123-145 (43.7 - 51.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
  • 252+ Atk Scizor U-turn vs. 248 HP / 44 Def Amoonguss: 159-187 (36.8 - 43.3%) -- 99.5% chance to 3HKO after Black Sludge recovery
  • 252+ Atk Technician Scizor Aerial Ace vs. 248 HP / 44 Def Amoonguss: 272-322 (63.1 - 74.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery
  • 252+ Atk Technician Scizor Aerial Ace vs. 152 HP / 0 Def Hawlucha: 274-324 (81.7 - 96.7%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
  • 252+ Atk Technician Scizor Aerial Ace vs. +1 152 HP / 0 Def Hawlucha: 182-216 (54.3 - 64.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252+ Atk Technician Scizor Bullet Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Alakazam: 201-237 (80 - 94.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252+ Atk Technician Scizor Aerial Ace vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Darmanitan: 173-204 (49.2 - 58.1%) -- 97.7% chance to 2HKO


Defensive Calcs:

  • 252 Atk Choice Band Sneasel Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 112 HP / 0 Def Scizor: 192-226 (62.1 - 73.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252 Atk Choice Band Sneasel Ice Shard vs. 112 HP / 0 Def Scizor: 39-47 (12.6 - 15.2%) -- possible 7HKO
  • 252 SpA Zap Plate Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. 112 HP / 0 SpD Scizor in Electric Terrain: 256-303 (82.8 - 98%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252 SpA Life Orb Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. 112 HP / 0 SpD Scizor in Electric Terrain: 278-329 (89.9 - 106.4%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO
  • 0 SpA Amoonguss Hidden Power Fire vs. 112 HP / 0 SpD Scizor: 180-216 (58.2 - 69.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252 Atk Garbodor Explosion vs. 112 HP / 0 Def Scizor: 110-129 (35.5 - 41.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
The Aftermath

Week 11: Toronto Maple Leafeons (AbruptFury) vs. Orlando Magikarp (Ralker)
Team that Ralker brought: Darmanitan, Snorlax, Tapu Koko, Alakazam, Garchomp, Garbodor

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

Match Summary and Explanations

  • Donphan had such a great matchup since it could Earthquake anything for good damage, but I also didn't want to give Darmanitan the free hit while threatening it with nothing. So I led Donphan. It also allows me to get up my Stealth Rock immediately. Ralker led his Tapu Koko. 
  • Tapu Koko, fearing the Earthquake, U-turns the heck outta there. And reveals it's Life Orb. Snorlax takes it's place on the field. I just set up my Stealth Rock with Donphan. Looking at Ralker's team, he doesn't have much of a way to get rid of them. Unless Tapu Koko is Defog.
  • I used Roar to stop Snorlax's Curse setup, which Ralker does go for. Darmanitan comes in and takes the Stealth Rock. This is great for me wearing that thing down.
  • Darmanitan U-turns out of there for the same reason as Tapu Koko, and brings back in Snorlax. It takes Earthquake for decent damage.
  • This time, Ralker throws off a Return since he knows that I'm packing Roar. Donphan takes it like a champ and Snorlax is Roar'd into Garbodor. Another good candidate for an Earthquake.
  • Garbodor sets up a Toxic Spikes, as Donphan OHKOs it with Earthquake. This definitely mattered if it was defensive Garbodor. But Donphan gets itself the first kill of the game. In comes Alakazam.
  • I know that Donphan won't take a Psychic from it very well, so I switch into my Psychic resist, Scizor. Alakazam actually has Energy Ball, which Donphan definitely wouldn't have taken.
  • I'm positive that Ralker's Alakazam has Hidden Power Fire, so I just want to break a possible Focus Sash or maybe even OHKO a Life Orb variant out of sheer luck with another crit. Bullet Punch does a lot, but Scizor goes down to the Hidden Power. I send in Donphan to finish the job.
  • Ice Shard picks off the Alakazam and that is another kill for Donphan. Ralker sends in Snorlax.
  • Snorlax weakens Donphan with another Return. I went ahead and sent that Snorlax packing with Roar. Tapu Koko comes in. 
  • Ralker makes a weird play by U-turning out with his Tapu Koko. I'm guessing at this point that it doesn't have Hidden Power Ice. Snorlax takes another Earthquake.
  • Donphan is so weak that I just decide to stay in and finish off the Snorlax. Snorlax drops to Earthquake and Donphan gets it's hat trick of kills for the game. Tapu Koko returns.
  • I went ahead and got a little bit of chip damage onto Tapu Koko with Ice Shard before Donphan went down. I sent in Sylveon.
  • Tapu Koko does good damage with a Thunderbolt, but Sylveon takes it out first with a Psyshock. The reason I went for Psyshock was so I could do more damage to the Darmanitan if it switched in. That thing is a big problem late game without Donphan. Anyway, that's a kill for Sylveon. And Garchomp enters the battle.
  • Earthquake finishes my poisoned Sylveon off. I sent in my Vaporeon.
  • Thinking that my Vaporeon will take anything from Garchomp just fine, I set up a Wish. Unfortunately, Garchomp's Life Orb Earthquake is proving to pack a punch by threatening the 2HKO. 
  • I went for Protect to try and get back my health, but Ralker reads this and goes for a Swords Dance. 
  • Vaporeon goes down to the boosted Earthquake. I sent in Kyurem-Black.
  • Garchomp outspeeds Kyurem-B and Earthquake takes it out. That was Kyurem-B's first death of the season. Garchomp is quite a scary Pokemon. I send in my last hope, Electivire.
  • Electivire dodges the Earthquake with the help of it's Brightpowder. This is huge because Garchomp is taken out by Hidden Power Ice. Now it's a 1v1 between Electivire and Darmanitan.
  • There is a speed tie between these two. If Electivire could win the speed tie or dodge another move, it could win the match for me. Darmanitan uses Flare Blitz, and it connects. The Orlando Magikarps take the game 1-0. The Toronto Maple Leafeons take their second loss of the season and are left with a record of 9-2.

In Conclusion

First of all, sorry for how backed up I've gotten on these team reports for draft league. I've been getting back into playing Call of Duty lately. As well as quitting my job at McDonalds for personal reasons. I've been on the job hunt. I'm hoping to hear back from a couple of places soon. I hope to have my other reports out in days rather than a week. The delay helps a little bit with the breaks the league has been taking, I feel though. 

Secondly, good game to you, Ralker. You gave me another run for my money in a pretty epic match. You were a good sport about me forgetting about the evasion ban including items like Brightpowder. I know you would've had an issue if Brightpowder had won the match, but I think that it was very noble to not take the extra kill for Garchomp and the extra differential. I was willing to hand it over. It was a fun meme at least, seeing Garchomp get beat by an Electivire. I think you played well. The Tapu Koko play against Donphan kind of confused me at the time, but made sense in the grand scheme of things. You even ended the match by beating me with my ex-player, Darmanitan. I knew that thing was power when looking at it in teambuilder. I do miss him, but I still think I made the right decision in the speed demon that is Salazzle. 

Well. That's all, folks! See you in the next installment. I will be playing BigEZ66 as my final opponent before playoffs. I know that I've clinched playoffs, but it's not for sure with him. He was the PFA Champion last season. So it should be a tough fight. AbruptFury, signing off!

Wednesday 11 April 2018

NBA Season 6 Week 9 and 10: Toronto Maple Leafeons

It's been a while since my last team report. Finally, the National Battling Association is back on track! This week, we face Bruno. He did very well for himself last season, despite it being his first season with the Pokemon Forever Association. I will be quite frank with you. The team match-up this time around is pretty rough. But I tried my best to try and take it on. Just like with every other week. It's just this should be notably difficult. And it doesn't help that he was one of the four coaches to beat me last season. I really have to play smart. Alright. Let's get into the report.

The Team Line-ups

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

Wenwuk (St. Louis Swablus): Mega Steelix, Volcarona, Zygarde 50%(Z), Greninja, Mantine, Swellow(Z), Rhydon, Celebi, Lucario(Z), Vikavolt, Toxapex

The Game Plan


Spark Plug (Electivire) @ Assault Vest  
Ability: Motor Drive  
Shiny: Yes  
EVs: 252 SpA / 40 SpD / 216 Spe  
Timid Nature  
- Discharge  
- Focus Blast  
- Hidden Power [Ice]  
- Rock Slide

Bruno has 3 Water types. Electivire can deal with them all very well. Discharge is the main STAB option I decided upon. It does less damage than Thunderbolt, but it has a better paralysis chance. That could work out against something like Celebi, Volcarona, and Toxapex. Focus Blast hits Mega Steelix. Hidden Power Ice beats Zygarde-50. And Rock Slide easily takes down Volcarona. I opted for Assault Vest as it's item so that Vikavolt wouldn't eat my team alive. Greninja, Volcarona, and special Celebi are other reasons why I thought it would be the best item.

Offensive Calcs:
  • Outspeeds max speed boosted nature Lucario.
  • 252 SpA Electivire Discharge vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Greninja: 312-368 (109.4 - 129.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • 252 SpA Electivire Discharge vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mantine: 316-376 (84.4 - 100.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
  • 252 SpA Electivire Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 200 SpD Steelix-Mega: 180-214 (50.8 - 60.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 0- Atk Electivire Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Volcarona: 328-388 (105.4 - 124.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO


Defensive Calcs:
  • 252 SpA Choice Specs Greninja Dark Pulse vs. 0 HP / 40 SpD Assault Vest Electivire: 121-144 (41.5 - 49.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
  • 252 SpA Choice Specs Greninja Hydro Pump vs. 0 HP / 40 SpD Assault Vest Electivire: 168-198 (57.7 - 68%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252 SpA Choice Specs Swellow Boomburst vs. 0 HP / 40 SpD Assault Vest Electivire: 174-205 (59.7 - 70.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252 SpA Celebi Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 40 SpD Assault Vest Electivire: 120-142 (41.2 - 48.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Ariel (Vaporeon) @ Charti Berry  
Ability: Water Absorb  
Shiny: Yes  
EVs: 112 HP / 212 Atk / 128 Def / 56 SpA  
Quiet Nature  
- Scald  
- Heal Bell  
- Hidden Power [Electric]  
- Natural Gift

This set was designed to be rid of Volcarona as soon as possible. The tech is Natural Gift Rock in conjunction with the Charti Berry. It OHKOs Volcarona most of the time with the Attack investment. It's a shame that Vaporeon doesn't have better physical attack. It can also hit Vikavolt if Volcarona is no longer a problem. Scald takes down Rhydon and can burn the physical attackers. Hidden Power Electric helps against Mantine, Greninja, and Toxapex. Heal Bell will be important against Toxapex since it could spread poison to my whole team.

Offensive Calcs:
  • 212 Atk Charti Berry Vaporeon Natural Gift (80 BP Rock) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Volcarona: 304-360 (97.7 - 115.7%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO
  • 56+ SpA Vaporeon Hidden Power Electric vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Swellow: 188-222 (72 - 85%) -- 75% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock and burn damage
  • 56+ SpA Vaporeon Hidden Power Electric vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mantine: 164-196 (43.8 - 52.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • 56+ SpA Vaporeon Hidden Power Electric vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Greninja: 144-170 (50.5 - 59.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Defensive Calcs:
  • 252 Atk Guts Swellow Facade (140 BP) vs. 128 HP / 112 Def Vaporeon: 330-388 (76.2 - 89.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252+ Atk Choice Band Zygarde Outrage vs. 128 HP / 112 Def Vaporeon: 345-406 (79.6 - 93.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252+ SpA Vikavolt Thunderbolt vs. 128 HP / 0 SpD Vaporeon: 366-432 (84.5 - 99.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252 SpA Choice Specs Greninja Dark Pulse vs. 128 HP / 0 SpD Vaporeon: 174-205 (40.1 - 47.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
Lisa Simpson (Salazzle) @ Dragonium Z
Ability: Corrosion
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 56 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 196 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Flamethrower
- Sludge Wave
- Dragon Pulse
- Nasty Plot

Offensively, Salazzle can do a lot against his team. Defensively, it can switch into Toxic Spikes, which could be setup by either Toxapex or Greninja. It's typing is great against Volcarona and Lucario, since their STAB options are resisted. Just gotta watch out for their coverage moves. Flamethrower does massive damage to Mega Steelix, Celebi, Vikavolt, and Lucario. Sludge Wave works against the Water types that aren't Toxapex. Dragon Pulse with Dragonium Z gives Salazzle a good way of beating Zygarde-50, and possibly Toxapex. Boosted by Nasty Plot, Salazzle should be able to OHKO Pokemon that aren't even weak to the attacking moves, or through resist berries.

Offensive Calcs:
  • Outspeeds Modest max speed Swellow by 1 point.
  • +2 252 SpA Salazzle Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 200 SpD Steelix-Mega: 450-530 (127.1 - 149.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • +2 252 SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 252 HP / 148 SpD Celebi: 480-566 (118.8 - 140%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • +2 252 SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mantine: 207-244 (55.3 - 65.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • +2 252 SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Volcarona: 265-313 (85.2 - 100.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
  • +2 252 SpA Salazzle Flamethrower vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Assault Vest Vikavolt: 440-522 (123.2 - 146.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • +2 252 SpA Salazzle Devastating Drake (160 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Zygarde: 650-766 (181.5 - 213.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • +2 252 SpA Salazzle Devastating Drake (160 BP) vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Toxapex: 175-206 (57.7 - 67.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery
  • +2 252 SpA Salazzle Dragon Pulse vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Toxapex: 93-110 (30.6 - 36.3%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Black Sludge recovery
  • +2 252 SpA Salazzle Dragon Pulse vs. 252 HP / 240 SpD Eviolite Rhydon: 141-166 (34 - 40%) -- guaranteed 3HKO


Defensive Calcs:
  • 252+ Atk Choice Band Zygarde Extreme Speed vs. 56 HP / 4 Def Salazzle: 180-212 (61.8 - 72.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252 Atk Life Orb Lucario Extreme Speed vs. 56 HP / 4 Def Salazzle: 152-179 (52.2 - 61.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Bane (Kyurem-Black) @ Haban Berry
Ability: Teravolt
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 16 Atk / 240 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Ice Beam
- Earth Power
- Fusion Bolt
- Roost

Kyurem-Black is just the best against everything. Ice Beam deals with Zygarde-50, Swellow, Rhydon, and Celebi. Earth Power hits Mega Steelix and Lucario. Fusion Bolt is a wonderful move to have against Greninja, Mantine, and Toxapex. He has so many Water types. Roost helps heal off damage from hazards and other chip damage. It helps since I'm not running Wish support on Vaporeon. Haban Berry helps take a Devastating Drake or Choice Band Outrage from Zygarde-50, while threatening it with the OHKO. Keeping Kyurem-B around as long as possible is important.

Offensive Calcs:

  • Speed ties max speed boosted nature Zygarde-50%.
  • 240 SpA Kyurem Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Lucario: 260-308 (92.5 - 109.6%) -- 75% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
  • 240 SpA Kyurem Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 200 SpD Steelix-Mega: 168-198 (47.4 - 55.9%) -- 96.1% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
  • 16 Atk Kyurem Fusion Bolt vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 130-153 (41.8 - 49.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
  • 16 Atk Kyurem Fusion Bolt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mantine: 332-392 (88.7 - 104.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
  • 240 SpA Kyurem Earth Power vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Toxapex: 110-130 (36.3 - 42.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Black Sludge recovery
  • 16 Atk Kyurem Fusion Bolt vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Greninja: 252-298 (88.4 - 104.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
  • 240 SpA Kyurem Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Swellow: 504-594 (193.1 - 227.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • 240 SpA Kyurem Ice Beam vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Zygarde: 612-724 (170.9 - 202.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Defensive Calcs:
  • 252+ Atk Choice Band Zygarde Outrage vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Haban Berry Kyurem: 294-346 (75.1 - 88.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252 SpA Choice Specs Swellow Boomburst vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Kyurem: 289-342 (73.9 - 87.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Rupert (Dhelmise) @ Leftovers
Ability: Steelworker
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 4 Atk / 248 Def / 8 Spe
Impish Nature
- Power Whip
- Substitute
- Earthquake
- Rapid Spin

I wanted Dhelmise to be able to sponge hits from certain Pokemon. Mega Steelix, Rhydon, Zygarde-50, and Lucario were the big ones. It also has the ability to take Scalds from Toxapex while behind a Substitute, so I don't have to worry about being statused with poison or burn. I can just fire off Earthquakes to weaken it, forcing it to Recover. This also hits Mega Steelix, Lucario, and Volcarona pretty good. Power Whip was for the Rhydon and Greninja. Rapid Spin is for my hazard removal. Leftovers works with Substitute so that Dhelmise can heal off some of the damage dealt by making Substitutes.

Offensive Calcs:

  • Speed creeps creeping Rhydon by 1 point.
  • 4 Atk Dhelmise Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 56+ Def Steelix-Mega: 78-92 (22 - 25.9%) -- 3.5% chance to 4HKO
  • 4 Atk Dhelmise Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Lucario: 242-286 (86.1 - 101.7%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO
  • 4 Atk Dhelmise Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 8 Def Toxapex: 126-150 (41.5 - 49.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Black Sludge recovery
  • 4 Atk Dhelmise Power Whip vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Eviolite Rhydon: 372-444 (89.8 - 107.2%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
  • 4 Atk Dhelmise Power Whip vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Greninja: 456-536 (160 - 188%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • 4 Atk Dhelmise Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Volcarona: 129-152 (41.4 - 48.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Defensive Calcs:

  • 252+ Atk Choice Band Zygarde Thousand Arrows vs. 248 HP / 248 Def Dhelmise: 80-94 (23.3 - 27.4%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • 252+ Atk Choice Band Zygarde Outrage vs. 248 HP / 248 Def Dhelmise: 213-252 (62 - 73.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • 0 Atk Steelix-Mega Heavy Slam (80 BP) vs. 248 HP / 248 Def Dhelmise: 84-99 (24.4 - 28.8%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • 252 SpA Life Orb Lucario Dark Pulse vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Dhelmise: 229-270 (66.7 - 78.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • 252 SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Dhelmise: 166-196 (48.3 - 57.1%) -- 44.9% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • 16+ Atk Rhydon Rock Blast (3 hits) vs. 248 HP / 248 Def Dhelmise: 93-111 (27.1 - 32.3%) -- approx. 52.3% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • 0 SpA Toxapex Scald vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Dhelmise: 29-34 (8.4 - 9.9%) -- possibly the worst move ever

Dumbo (Donphan) @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 48 Atk / 208 Def / 4 Spe
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Endeavor
- Ice Shard

Donphan's job this match was to setup rocks and tank some physical hits, similarly to Dhelmise. Donphan also had the ability to revenge kill a weakened foe in Zygarde. Earthquake was the main STAB option for it to do big damage to most of Bruno's team. Endeavor gave me a way of hitting what Earthquake didn't. It could work with Endeavor to bring something's health down to 1 after bringing Donphan down to it's Sturdy ability. Then, Donphan could pick them off with Ice Shard. That would help out big against Mantine, Vikavolt, Volcarona, or Zygarde-50.

Offensive Calcs:

  • 48 Atk Donphan Ice Shard vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Zygarde: 120-144 (33.5 - 40.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
  • 48 Atk Donphan Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Lucario: 350-414 (124.5 - 147.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • 48 Atk Donphan Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Volcarona: 186-219 (59.8 - 70.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 48 Atk Donphan Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 8 Def Toxapex: 182-216 (60 - 71.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery
  • 48 Atk Donphan Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Greninja: 181-214 (63.5 - 75%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 48 Atk Donphan Ice Shard vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Swellow: 106-126 (40.6 - 48.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
  • - 48 Atk Donphan Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 56+ Def Steelix-Mega: 114-134 (32.2 - 37.8%) -- 99.8% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock

Defensive Calcs:

  • 252+ Atk Choice Band Zygarde Outrage vs. 248 HP / 208+ Def Donphan: 177-208 (46.2 - 54.3%) -- 6.6% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • +2 252 Atk Celebi Seed Bomb vs. 248 HP / 208+ Def Donphan: 288-338 (75.1 - 88.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
The Aftermath

Week 9: Toronto Maple Leafeons (AbruptFury) vs. St. Louis Swablus (Wenwuk)
Team that Bruno brought: Zygarde-50, Rhydon, Greninja, Mega Steelix, Lucario, Volcarona

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Match Summary and Explanations

  • I figured he was going to lead Rhydon to get up his Stealth Rock, so I led with Vaporeon. It was a good prediction. 
  • I fired off a Scald and Rhydon survived on 1 HP. It was max special bulk with Eviolite. Didn't expect that one. Vaporeon took an Earthquake.
  • Rhydon goes down to another Scald. First blood goes to Vaporeon. Bruno sends in his Zygarde.
  • I know I can't tank Banded Outrages against any of my mons, so I stayed in to try and Scald burn him while he was setting up. But he may very well have been Banded since he went for the Outrage and knocked out Vaporeon. I sent in my Donphan to revenge kill.
  • First, I had Donphan set up Stealth Rock for the Volcarona in the back, knowing that I could indefinitely tank a hit. Zygarde remains locked into Outrage and it's looking like a 3HKO. No confusion comes to Zygarde from Outrage fatigue.
  • Knowing that it will definitely Outrage again, I decided to have Donphan go for Endeavor since I knew Ice Shard was at best a 2HKO. This way, I wouldn't have to reveal it and give Volcarona the free Quiver Dance either. 
  • Bruno makes a good play in switching into his Greninja to save his Zygarde. I was considering going for a second Endeavor to weaken something else in the back, but didn't want to lose Donphan to another Outrage for nothing. And Endeavor wouldn't have put Greninja in range of Ice Shard anyway, so it was fine. 
  • I lose Donphan to Dark Pulse from Greninja. I sent in my Assault Vest Electivire.
  • Expecting Bruno to bring in either his Zygarde or Mega Steelix, I opt for Focus Blast. He brings in the Steelix and it takes a ton.
  • RNG shines upon me! I manage to hit the second Focus Blast and down goes the Mega Steelix. Electivire gets it's first kill of the battle. Bruno brings in his Volcarona.
  • He tries to get his Volcarona set up to sweep with Quiver Dance, but my Electivire's tech Rock Slide pays dividends. Volcarona is eliminated and Electivire gets it's second kill. Zygarde returns to battle.
  • Once again, I don't want to switch out on this Zygarde, so I throw off a Hidden Power Ice. To my surprise, Electivire outspeeds. Elecitivire was not max speed, so there was no speed tie. Zygarde was likely an Adamant Choice Band set. Anyway, Zygarde goes down and Electivire is on a roll with three kills. Greninja comes back to play.
  • Electivire gets flinched by a Dark Pulse, but has another chance to take out Greninja.
  • Greninja hit Electivire with another Dark Pulse, but Electivire was able to finish it off with Discharge. Four kills go to Electivire this battle. What a team player! All Bruno has left is Lucario.
  • I already know that I outspeed Lucario with Electivire, so I fire off Focus Blast again and it almost takes Lucario out. Lucario sets up a Swords Dance. Probably it's best hope of winning.
  • Lucario KOs itself after going for Extremespeed to finish off my Electivire with it's Life Orb. The game goes to the Toronto Maple Leafeons! A nice 3-0 victory, putting us at 8 wins and 1 loss this season.
In Conclusion

Good game to Bruno. I felt like I made a mistake in my prep when it came to Dhelmise being able to hit Vikavolt, and in my battling when I risked the Focus Blast against Swords Dance Lucario with Extremespeed which would likely OHKO my Salazzle since it's physical defense is pretty weak. I really wasn't expecting to win the match in the first place though. There was a lot that I had to take into account in this match. I let my Vaporeon go very early when it was my best thing to take a hit from Volcarona. But that was because I was scared of Zygarde's potential. Dragon Dance wasn't something I wanted to mess with. I didn't even have Ice Beam on my offensive Vaporeon though because I felt like I needed to cover other things more. I'm honestly dreading having to possibly face you in the playoffs. I know you didn't feel confident in Toxapex with my Corrosion Salazzle being around, but I really think it was a big problem when I was teambuilding. I guess Kyurem-Black is the same way though. It didn't even hit the field that match.

Well that's it for week 9. Just a few more left til playoffs. Next week, we were set to take on Gamma, who was replaced by Amant. Unfortunately, exams have taken away his time and he decided to drop out of the league. Thus, Gamma/Amant and Danny's teams were completely eliminated. The Pokemon went into the free agency. Some of them were picked up. I didn't bother to change my team. Wasn't really sure what to choose. 

Since we took a BYE week from our opponent bring unavailable, we are now 9-1 in our record. This is better success than I have ever had in league, including last season where I ended 8-4. I have been so satisfied with my team. It's so weird, but has gotten me so far. That is why I have been reluctant to change anything. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. For week 11, our opponent will be Ralker of the Orlando Magikarp. This guy nearly went undefeated in the regular season and was the runner-up for the championship last season. He's certainly no push-over. He got off to a rocky start early in the season with his draft, but has been picking up steam. The dropped Pokemon from the other teams have helped patch his weaknesses. I feel like his team will be as troublesome as Bruno's was, but I was able to beat Bruno. And Bruno was the one that beat Ralker in the regular season last year. So there might very well be a shot of me winning the match. I'm on the tail of the standings leader, Kiev, but he hasn't dropped a match since having the decision in his loss reversed; thanks to the opponent who beat him, leaving the league for the season. So stay tuned and see you next time!