In a stunning display of skill and teamwork, Dplus KIA (DK) secured a commanding 3-0 victory against NS RedForce (NS) in the 2025 LCK CUP Playoffs Round 2 on February 15, 2025. This match, held at the iconic LCK Arena, showcased why DK remains a formidable force in the Korean League of Legends scene.

# Match Overview

The series began with high expectations from fans worldwide, as both teams had shown strong performances leading up to the playoffs. DK, coming off a perfect 5-0 run in the group stage, was looking to maintain their momentum. NS, on the other hand, had fought their way through the play-ins and was eager to prove themselves against one of the tournament favorites.

Game 1 set the tone for the series, with DK's mid laner Showmaker (Heo Su) dominating on Akali. His aggressive roams and precise teamfight execution left NS struggling to find answers. Canyon (Kim Geon-bu) complemented Showmaker's performance with a stellar Viego game, controlling the jungle and enabling his laners to push their advantages.

In Game 2, NS attempted to counter DK's aggressive playstyle by drafting a more scaling-oriented composition. However, DK's bot lane duo of Deft (Kim Hyuk-kyu) and Kellin (Kim Hyeong-gyu) stepped up, with Deft showcasing his legendary Jinx skills. Their dominant laning phase transitioned smoothly into mid-game teamfights, where DK's superior coordination shone through.

The final game of the series saw DK flex their strategic muscles. Canna (Kim Chang-dong) on Gnar provided the team with a strong split-push threat, while the rest of the team rotated efficiently to secure objectives. NS fought valiantly, with Peanut (Han Wang-ho) trying to create plays on Lee Sin, but DK's macro play proved too strong to overcome.

# Player Performances

Showmaker was undoubtedly the MVP of the series, earning a remarkable average KDA of 7.5 across the three games. His ability to create pressure in the mid lane and translate that into map-wide advantages was crucial to DK's success.

Canyon's jungle pathing and objective control were impeccable, resulting in an average KDA of 6.2. His synergy with Showmaker continues to be a cornerstone of DK's gameplay.

Deft proved why he's considered one of the best AD carries in the world, maintaining a solid 5.8 KDA average and consistently outputting high damage in teamfights.

For NS, despite the loss, Peanut showed flashes of brilliance, especially in the early game of matches 2 and 3. His proactive playstyle kept NS in the game longer than expected, earning him an average KDA of 3.2.

# Champion Selections

DK's drafts were a masterclass in flexibility and counter-picking. Their champion pool depth was evident as they adapted their picks in each game:

Game 1: Top - Jax, Jungle - Viego, Mid - Akali, ADC - Zeri, Support - Nautilus
Game 2: Top - Gnar, Jungle - Sejuani, Mid - Azir, ADC - Jinx, Support - Lulu
Game 3: Top - Gnar, Jungle - Wukong, Mid - Sylas, ADC - Aphelios, Support - Thresh

NS tried to counter with comfort picks and meta champions, but struggled to find a composition that could match DK's versatility:

Game 1: Top - Renekton, Jungle - Maokai, Mid - Orianna, ADC - Varus, Support - Lulu
Game 2: Top - Aatrox, Jungle - Vi, Mid - Viktor, ADC - Xayah, Support - Rakan
Game 3: Top - Kennen, Jungle - Lee Sin, Mid - Syndra, ADC - Kalista, Support - Nautilus

# Fan Reactions

The Korean fan community erupted with excitement following DK's dominant performance. Social media platforms were flooded with praise for Showmaker's mid lane prowess and the team's overall cohesion. Many fans drew comparisons to DK's 2020 World Championship run, speculating on their potential to reclaim the title this year.

Comments on popular forums like Inven and DC Inside highlighted the team's improved shotcalling and macro play compared to their regular season performance. One top-voted comment read, "Showmaker and Canyon are back in their prime form. If they keep this up, no one can stop them."

NS fans, while disappointed with the result, showed appreciation for their team's effort against a powerhouse like DK. Many expressed hope for the upcoming LCK Spring Split, believing that this playoff experience would be valuable for the team's growth.

# Looking Ahead

With this victory, Dplus KIA advances to the next round of the playoffs, inching closer to the LCK CUP title. Their performance has solidified their position as one of the top contenders for the championship and has sent a clear message to their future opponents.

For NS RedForce, while the loss is undoubtedly disappointing, their journey through the play-ins and into the playoffs has provided valuable experience. The team will need to regroup and refine their strategies as they prepare for the upcoming LCK Spring Split.

As the LCK CUP continues, all eyes will be on DK to see if they can maintain this level of dominance. With the Spring Split on the horizon, this tournament has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting year of League of Legends in Korea.