When Yasuo attacks Reavers Row, can the defender move the targeted unit to base before Yasuo's damage resolves?

Ruling: Yes, the defender can move the targeted unit to base with Reavers Row before Yasuo's damage resolves, causing Yasuo's ability to fail because its target is no longer present.

Sequence:

  • When Yasuo attacks, both "when I attack" and "when I defend" triggers go on the chain
  • Each ability targets a unit when going on the chain (Yasuo targets who to damage, Reavers Row targets who to move)
  • Triggers resolve in reverse order
  • Reavers Row resolves first, moving the unit back to base
  • Yasuo's ability resolves second, but its target is no longer present so it cannot deal damage

Nuances:

  • The attacker (Yasuo player) must choose their target before the defender chooses their target for Reavers Row
  • The defender can always avoid the Yasuo hit if they want by moving the targeted unit