Editor’s note: After every playoff game the All U Can Heat staff weighs in on the “LeBron James Opt-O-Meter” — the real-time measurement of LeBron’s mood in regards to whether or not he will stay in Miami after he opts out of his contract this summer. It’s not difficult to understand: 1 means he’s gone, like ‘Seeyuh, Miami, I’m going to Los Angeles’ gone. 10 means he’s staying, like already signed the contract in red gel pen staying. Like going in on South Florida-based investments with David Beckham staying. The reading is the average combined rating from the AUCH staff.
5/12 Opt-O-Reading: 5.3
Wes Goldberg: 2. LeBron is sitting in an ice bath wishing it was politically correct to drink an entire bottle of whiskey after this match. He carried that team to the win. Yes, Bosh hit the big three at the end, but watch that play again and look at how difficult it was for LeBron to get that pass out. He got the shit beaten out of him and, right now, he’s sipping on that bottle by himself. He’s the only one that deserves it.
David Ramil: I gotta go with a 5 and only because Miami won. If not for a huge Bosh 3-pointer and some clutch free throws from Ray Allen, this would be the game to point to when James signs with another team. Wade crumbled and the offense was stagnant without LBJ; a little too reminiscent of the Cavaliers days that needed a dominant performance from LeBron.
Blaine Hunkins: 10. LeBron had his biggest game of the year, scoring 49 points in a crucial playoff game. Bosh contributed down the stretch, hitting the go ahead three to win the game. Wade came down with a clutch rebound and Allen hit some key shots as well. The role players could’ve played a little better, but a win is a win.
Kristopher Keaton: I’m gonna go 4. Bosh hit the two big three’s down the stretch and Allen knocked down his free throws but LeBron did 98 percent of the heavy lifting tonight.
Ryan Smith: 10. LeBron dominated all game but the team had his back when it mattered most (Bosh threes, Allen FTs, Wade offensive rebound). Heat should close it out Wednesday night.
Jimmy Cook: 1+6. That ranking is because the only reason Miami won that game was number 6. Of course, Bosh hit the clutch three to give the Heat the lead for good(that’s where the plus 1 comes into play), but why was he so opened and who picked up the assist? No it wasn’t Chris or Cliff Paul, it was The King, LeBron James. These last two games felt like I was watching the 2007 Cavs, where it’s the LeBron ride-or-die offense. That all changed in the final two minutes. For those final two minutes, the Heat gave me something I might even call hope. People laughed when I said this postseason was going to give me grey hairs, but it’s the truth. However, if all that stress, anxiety, and worry leads to a W at the end of the day, then I’m okay with it. The difference between 2007 and today? You know that eventually the rest of LeBron’s roster will wake up, not force him to score 49 a night, and play their part on the road to not just a championship, but a Trey by the Bay. Important stat to note going forward, the Heat haven’t lost two straight playoff games since the 2012 ECF vs Celtics. There’s something to help you sleep tonight. They make the adjustments over the course of a series, which, again is why The King won’t take his talents away from South Beach.