James Jones Sets The Record Straight About The Cleveland Cavaliers’ “Switch”

James Jones should be credited with an assist for the Cleveland Cavaliers well, flipping the switch.

There’s no flip to switch come playoff time. “Whoever said that, they lie”. That’s what James Jones told the Cleveland Cavaliers and cleveland.com.

"“This is a game of rhythm. This is a game of feel. This is a game of runs and trends. You can’t just flip it on. We understand that. I think flipping a switch sounds good but trust me there’s never been and never will be a team that can flip a switch.”"

The Cavs, and their fans, never needed to hear anything more.

People all over social media and well-known sports reporters would all have you believe that there’s a flip to be switched in the playoffs. Tyronn Lue would have you believe that the Cleveland Cavaliers could try an entirely different defensive scheme in the playoffs and not put it on display until then.

LeBron James has periodically cruised through portions of games or stretches of games without giving what would seem like maximum effort on both ends, with James’ focus on the postseason cited as a reason why.

Yet, I always found it curious that James could preach about treating the regular season as the process of getting better but cruise through portions of said “process”. It seems counterintuitive and counterproductive.

It’s probably what Jones ended up thinking too.

As Jones told James, along with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, it’s up to the Big Three to put the team on their back and lead them by example.

"“I tell him that adversity builds character. Gotta figure it out,” Jones said. “(Kyrie) will figure it out, but as teammates we will help him. Ultimately it’s those three guys (James, Irving and Love). They make us go so they have to find a way to inspire us, to ignite us and to lead.“That means playing every possession. That means making every right play. That means making every right decision and when you don’t make the right decision owning up to it and moving on and making the right decision the next time down.”"

Judging by last night’s performance, as the Cleveland Cavaliers blew past the Philadelphia 76ers to win 122-105, the Big Three got the message.

The trio was led by 34 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists from James.

https://twitter.com/cavs/status/847965252201439232

James also knocked in 3 of 7 three-point attempts after only making 1-17 three-point attempts in his previous 5 games. James, who is averaging a career-high 4.1 turnovers per game, only had 2 in the contest.

Irving, who has mentioned doing a better job of helping James and Kevin Love involved, had 9 assists, 2 steals and only one turnover.

https://twitter.com/FOXSportsOH/status/847968941062316032

Irving also turned heads by playing the enforcer role, purposely barreling into guard Justin Anderson for delivering a late hit on James minute earlier.

Irving had this to say regarding the incident (quote gathered by ESPN’s senior writer Brian Windhorst):

"“Whether it was malicious or not … I kinda saw Justin kinda lower his shoulder and knock down Bron,” Irving said. “I was like … I gotta do something, I’ve got to protect my brother. A lot of late hits on Bron, a lot of guys trying to get one over on him. It’s over for that, it’s over for that.”"

Love filled up the stat sheet with 18 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals a game after fouling out in 21 minutes.

Overall, the Big Three combined for 72 points, 20 rebounds, 19 assists and 5 steals.

Between the Big Three putting forth these types of performances, the defense’s new inclination to trap (thank you Coach Lue), the three-point shooting available on the perimeter and the possibility that Lue will actually play DeAndre Liggins, who is arguably the team’s best perimeter defender, and the veteran leadership on the team, the Cleveland Cavaliers have what it takes to right the ship so that they can return to the NBA Finals.

Jones, also known as “Champ”, may have made the play of the season.

"“He’s like mastered the timing,” Love said. “He always seems like he knows when to speak and the right thing to say”."

Indeed, Lil’ Kev.

Related Story: James Jones Calls Out The Cleveland Cavaliers

What do you think of James Jones’ message to the team? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section or Twitter @KJG_NBA.