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.
5/20 Opt-O-Reading: 9.14
David Ramil: Man, I don’t know. I’ll go with 8, simply because the Cleveland lottery pick makes things interesting. The game, though…I’d say James was off for most of the game but was still dominant in the 4th quarter. Wade helped carry the load and there were some great contributions all around. Good, solid win.
Blaine Hunkins: 8. Other than Wade and Cole, who else stepped up for LeBron? No one did. Bosh has been a no-show and so has Chalmers. Good win, but it took LeBron and Wade a lot to win that game.
Ehsan Kassim: 10. Wade looks like his old self and the Heat stole homecourt back from Indy. The Heat are still poised to make me look smart and make my Heat in 5 prediction look strong.
Kristopher Keaton: 10. LeBron got big help from Birdman and Cole. Oh, and Wade played like it was 2011. Good win all around.
Jimmy Cook: 150. Spo gets the credit putting Cole on Lance and Birdman on Hibbert, and the DEFENSE as a whole showed up! In fact, Spo was almost running on the floor at times telling the players where to be and what to do. In addition, Dwayne Wade looked beautiful from start to finish, and LeBron joined him once the 4th Qtr started. Our own Wes Goldberg tweeted during the game that he missed the Bron and D-Wade dynamic duo..and apparently they heard him. Our Heat superhero tandem combined for 22 points in the 4th, but the MVP goes to the Defense and the bench. We have a long way to go and the Pacers have nothing to be ashamed of from this effort, especially Lance Stephenson, but this was a game Miami HAD to have. They now take a 1-1 tie back to American Airlines with a chance to take a 3-1 lead in this series, but if it does go 7, which is more likely, the Heat now know they CAN win in Bankers Life. Once again, the Heat prove how well they can adjust after a loss, and that’s why the King is staying in South Beach. 9 down, 7 to go for the Trey by the Bay
Chris Posada: 8. “Oh man, I’d love to play with a young team and wait for them to mature, as we try to compete for a title in a couple of years.” said no veteran, ever. Although the lure of partying in the clubs of Cleveland with Johnny Football must have some appeal. Anyway, Dwyane Wade’s performance tonight reminded everyone – LeBron included – that Wade can still reach back to his superb 2009 season and be a force when needed. That’s the reminder that LeBron needs. That, and LIV (Editor’s note: LIV!).
Wes Goldberg: Jesus Christ, Jimmy. I’m going with -130 to even things out. Wade carried the team for so much of the game that LeBron has to be thankful.