Motivation can come in a variety of ways. Certainly self-motivation ranks as the highest form. But there is something to say for any form of motivation that can unify a team...something that everyone feels a part of and can rally around.
The Cleveland Cavaliers came ups with just that -- inspiration that the entire team shared during their historic playoff run.
As reported by Brian Windhorst of ESPN, the Cavs James Jones created a concept of a a puzzle with 16 pieces, one for each win needed to take the title. When put together, it would form the trophy.
As Windhorst wrote:
The golden puzzle was kept quiet by players and coaches, revealed only after the Cavs completed the greatest comeback in Finals history with their93-89, Game 7 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night.
The trophy puzzle was kept in a case hidden from outsiders and traveled with the Cavs as they made their way through the postseason. Different players who contributed in different ways would place a symbolic piece after every playoff win. For example,Kevin Love was selected when the Cavs won Game 3 of the Finals without him as he frustratingly missed the game with a concussion.
The final piece was in the shape of the state of Ohio and was placed by coach Tyronn Lue as the Cavs poured champagne over one another in the Oracle Arena's visitors locker room.
"Together, that's how you win a championship," Jones said. "Individually we are all just a piece. Everyone had to have their role. Everyone has to have their piece."
Doc Rivers speaks of the importance of the buy in. What as a coach are you doing -- what are you creating to rally your team together? And don't wait for the post season. What can you do that can help center your team's energy during the off-season? Could it be a well-thought out phrase that you have on t-shirts or wristbands? What can you come up with symbolic that will inspire your team?
