Cavaliers secretly had replica trophy to motivate them through playoffs

The Cleveland Cavaliers had a unique motivational tactic throughout the playoffs: a replica Larry O’Brien Trophy that had to be assembled one piece at a time.

The idea was the brainchild of veteran James Jones, who played with LeBron James in Miami and serves as a leader in the locker room.

“We needed something to bring us together,” Jones said, via ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. “Every guy was a piece. We assembled this team. So we had to assemble the puzzle.”

The Cavaliers only told the world about the tactic once they’d finished off the title and coach Tyronn Lue had placed the final piece, which was shaped like the state of Ohio. Different players got to add to the puzzle after each game, with Kevin Love being afforded the opportunity after he sat out Game 3 with a concussion.

“Together, that’s how you win a championship,” Jones added. “Individually we are all just a piece. Everyone had to have their role. Everyone has to have their piece.”

Jones is just a fringe player, but his actions throughout the season as well as this have made it clear that he’s a respected locker room leader. As he noted, everyone plays their part on a team like this.