Cavs’ Richard Jefferson: “If your only goal in life is to not get swept, I don’t know why you’re playing”

For the first time in the 2016 playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers suffered a loss this past Saturday night. While talking to the media during Sunday’s off day, Cavs forward Richard Jefferson said something that was simple, yet so true: “If your only goal in life is to not get swept, I don’t know why you’re playing.”

.@cavs' Richard Jefferson: 'If your only goal is not to get swept, I don't know why you're playing' #ALLin216https://t.co/T4a17Rq6Ok

— FOX Sports Ohio (@FOXSportsOH) May 22, 2016

The 35-year-old may be just another role player on this year’s Cavaliers team, but he is one of the veterans that the team depends on, no matter how much time he actually plays on the court. During the regular season, Jefferson averaged 5.5 points and 1.7 rebounds while shooting 45.8 percent from the floor and 38.2 percent from beyond the arc in 17.9 minutes per game. In the postseason so far, the 15-year veteran out of the University of Arizona has averaged 4.7 points and 2.7 rebounds while shooting 48.7 percent from the floor and 42.1 percent from three-point land in 15.1 minutes per game.

While becoming a social media star with Lil’ Kev, Jefferson seems to have brought a side to the Cavs that was not with this team during last season’s Finals run. The team not only seems to joke around much more, but also seems a lot closer this season, at least from the outside looking in. A veteran that has plenty of playoff experience, Jefferson is a player that the younger guys on the wine and gold can depend on, whether it’s for advice or just a little pick-me-up. With a first-year head coach in Tyronn Lue, that sort of thing is very important.

While some may have overreacted following the Cavs first loss of the postseason, the 6-foot-7, 233-pound forward who has become a fan favorite brought some ease to both the team and The Land. Cleveland is now 10-1 in the 2016 playoffs, having lost their first game since April 13—an impressive feat in itself. Jefferson, like many others, just wants the team and the fans to relax. Tthe wine and gold are still up 2-to-1 in the best-of-seven series as well, including holding home-court advantage.