Pangolier vs Phoenix

How this matchup plays

Controlling the tempo of the game is tough for Pangolier when Phoenix is on the other team. The attack speed slow from Fire Spirits neuters Swashbuckle's damage output, making trades and harass feel awful. This same slow makes it incredibly difficult for Pangolier to deal with Supernova. While Swashbuckle can apply several hits to the egg, the slow prevents him from finishing it alone, and trying to do so often leaves him stranded and stunned when it hatches. Phoenix can also easily use Icarus Dive to escape Rolling Thunder or reposition during a fight.

As a result, Pangolier can’t make the aggressive plays he needs to get ahead. Instead of rolling in to find kills and create space, he's forced to play much more cautiously. Any attempt at a solo pickoff on a support can be turned around by a single Supernova, costing him his life and giving away map control. This forces Pangolier into a more passive, farming role where he doesn't excel, while Phoenix and his team are free to set the pace of the game and take objectives.