Clockwerk vs Rubick

How this matchup plays

Seeing Clockwerk land a Hookshot often creates an opportunity, but for which team is the question against Rubick. Any of Clockwerk's spells are prime targets for Spell Steal. A stolen Hookshot can turn a gank into a disastrous counter-initiation, while stolen Cogs can easily trap Clockwerk with his own medicine. Even if Rubick doesn't steal a spell, his Telekinesis is a perfect answer to Clockwerk's arrival. Lifting Clockwerk the instant he lands from his hook prevents the Battery Assault and Cogs follow-up, giving his ally a crucial window to survive and reposition.

The matchup becomes a test of positioning and reaction time. Clockwerk's goal is to find and burst Rubick before he can get his spells off, since Rubick is fragile and dies quickly if caught alone. A smart Clockwerk will try to bait out Telekinesis before committing his Hookshot. In response, a patient Rubick will play far back in fights, staying out of initiation range himself. He waits for Clockwerk to commit to a target, ready to punish the aggression with a lift and a well-timed Spell Steal that can swing the engagement.