Maokai's tankiness lets him survive Taste Their Fear (Q) burst that scales up on isolation, and Twisted Advance (W)'s root cuts off Leap (E) resets and repositioning, neutralizing Kha'Zix's assassination combo.

Armor and health let Maokai shrug off Rengar's empowered Savagery (Q) combo burst, and Twisted Advance (W)'s root catches his stealth leap engage and escape, shutting down the trade.

As a tank Maokai endures Zed's shadow burst, and before Death Mark (R) recasts he locks him down with Twisted Advance (W)'s root and Nature's Grasp (R) to counterattack.

Maokai tanks through Talon's Rake (W) + Shadow Assault (R) combo and roots him with Twisted Advance (W) before he can escape over walls with Assassin's Path (E).

Brush Saplings (E) control Evelynn's paths and approach angles, but they do not automatically reveal her while she is camouflaged. Maokai should track the Allure (W) marker and available vision, then use Twisted Advance (W) to stop her engage.

Olaf's Ragnarok (R) grants CC immunity, nullifying all of Maokai's Twisted Advance (W) roots, and Reckless Swing (E)'s true damage melts the tank.

Jaws of the Beast (Q)'s health-scaling damage plus Blood Hunt (W)'s lifesteal outpaces Maokai's Sap Magic (P) sustain, and Infinite Duress (R)'s suppression locks him down completely.

Infected Bonesaw (Q)'s max-health-scaling damage and Maximum Dosage (R)'s massive regeneration overwhelm Maokai's Sap Magic (P) healing, winning drawn-out trades.

Undying Rage (R) keeps Tryndamere alive through Twisted Advance (W)'s root and Nature's Grasp (R), and Battle Fury (P) crits with Spinning Slash (E) grind tank Maokai down.

Flame Breath (E) and Inferno Aegis (W)'s health-scaling damage over time pierce Maokai's tankiness, while Dragon's Descent (R) transformation burst and fast clears out-tempo him.