Earth Spirit vs Phoenix

How this matchup plays

Controlling the fight's tempo is a constant struggle between these two. Earth Spirit has all the tools to interrupt Phoenix, whether it's kicking him out of Icarus Dive or using a silence to prevent Supernova from ever being cast. However, Phoenix’s flight and long-range slows from Fire Spirits can make it difficult for Earth Spirit to land a clean initiation in the first place. If Phoenix does manage to get Supernova off, Earth Spirit is put in a tough spot: he can use his spells to reposition the egg or save an ally, but doing so often uses his entire kit, leaving him with nothing for the ensuing fight.

The matchup often comes down to which hero's team is better prepared to follow up. Earth Spirit can set up a kill, but he needs allies to provide the damage before Phoenix can escape or use the egg. Likewise, Phoenix can cause chaos, but needs the team to protect the Supernova from Earth Spirit's crowd control. Since both heroes excel at disrupting the enemy's plan but can be disrupted themselves, neither gains a consistent upper hand. The fight is usually decided by who makes the first mistake.