Cavaliers used a secret motivational tool as they pieced together an NBA championship

One of the first steps the Cleveland Cavaliers took toward their first-ever NBA championship was taking a replica of the Larry O'Brien Trophy and cutting it into pieces.

Sixteen pieces – one for each postseason win they’d need to get the real trophy, according to a story on ESPN.com. Once the puzzle was complete, their dreams of an NBA title would be as well.

Coach Tyronn Lue put the final piece – cut in the shape of the state of Ohio – in place Sunday night after the Cavaliers completed their historic comeback from a 3-1 NBA Finals deficit with a 93-89 Game 7 victory over Golden State.

"We needed something to bring us together," said veteran player James Jones, who came up with the idea. "Every guy was a piece. We assembled this team. So we had to assemble the puzzle."

One of the best parts of this story was that the team was able to keep the existence of the motivational tool a secret. Players and coaches never spoke publicly of the puzzle, which was kept in a hidden case as it traveled with the Cavaliers throughout their playoff run.

After each playoff win, someone significant was chosen to put the next piece in place. After a Game 3 victory over Golden State, Kevin Love – who missed the game with a concussion – was selected for the honor.

"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."