So what motivational trick did Erik Spoelstra spring for this run?
The black trophy, Spoelstra said.
It was the Larry OBrien Trophy, made to scale, if a bit lighter. And it was a secret. From the trainers. From management. From Riley. From the media. From anyone outside the locker room.
It was introduced just prior to the playoffs.
It was a covenant that we made to each other, Spoelstra said. The coaching staff and the players. That we would commit to a handful of things each, and we would say them in front of each other. And if we didnt do those things, we would not have a real opportunity to win and play for the title. That was a powerful moment for the team, not for anyone else. And it was something that we referred to a lot of times, during the tough times. We signed our names to guarantee we would bring those things to the table. And when we werent, then the trophy would come out. And we would remind ourselves, we signed our name, and were not being true to that.
Chris Bosh said Spoelstra explained the promise we need to make to each other, to have 16 gold marks on that trophy. It was pretty much a pact to stay together no matter what happens.
Bosh called it kind of heavy when you write your name on something, and its officially a contract. We were pretty much giving our words to say we would stay together when times get tough.
Bosh took it seriously enough that I didnt put my autograph on it, I put my signature.
After the championship was won, and the real trophy had been hoisted, Spoelstra still gave attention to the replica.
To make that 16th mark, it was an unbelievable moment, LeBron James said.
Philipino Riley