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.
6/10 Opt-O-Reading: 6.4 (%?)
Wes Goldberg: Wade was a big problem in the first half and Bosh could get the ball in part because Miami’s point guards were playing something closer to a drinking game than basketball. LeBron was failed by a series of weird lineups and poor play by his supporting cast. Judging on this game alone, I’m going with a 3.
David Ramil: Well, as far as LeBron is concerned, I’d put him at an 8. This was a crap-tacular effort all around. However, after predicting a big game from Chalmers and Cole, I officially recognize I have no idea what I’m talking about and this serves as my retirement from the Basketball Blogosphere. The Ramil Opt-O-Meter is at -112.
Ehsan Kassim: 7. The Spurs came out and put themselves in a position to shoot 75% in the first half. The Heat exhausted too much energy making a comeback. Their slow starts, dating back to the ECF finally bit them in the ass. Next chess move for Spo has to be a big one.
Chris Posada: 90.3%. That’s what the Spurs were shooting up until midway through the second quarter. That blows my mind. San Antonio was not of this world in the first half. Miami still had a shot getting the game within 7, but dumb turnovers and bad shots doomed them. Game 4 needs to have the Heat play with urgency from the opening tip.
Jimmy Cook: 6. LeBron is still coming back, but it’s hard to tell if the Heat will in this series. The Spurs controlled this game from start to finish and Kawhi Leonard dominated Miami. Only positives are: maybe San Antonio won’t score 71 in a half, and Greg Oden made an appearance in a NBA Finals game. LeBron always says at the end of the day it’s just basketball and that’s my mindset from here on out because we are faced with an almost impossible feat. In order to win the title in Miami(Game 6), the Heat have to win 3 straight. In order to win the title in San Antonio (Game 7), Miami needs 3 of 4. If anybody could do it, it’s this Heat team but as Spo said, it will take the defense we saw in the 3rd Qtr for 48 minutes PLUS success on the offensive end. Dreams are going to be shattered, the question is will it be Miami’s or San Antonio’s?
Kristopher Keaton: 3. This was bad. Yes the Spurs were hitting everything, but the Heat’s energy in the first half was pretty alarming. I’m really not sure if Chris Bosh played tonight, as well. Also, Chalmers has to sit from now on.
Ross Gottschalk: 9. San Antonio obviously shot an ungodly percentage in the first half, helped by Miami’s equally unholy perimeter defense. This loss isn’t the end of the world for the Heat, but now they either have to a.) win 3 in a row or, b.) win Game 7 on the road.