English forward David Watts and Mancunian guard Stefan Gill have grafted hard to carry a young Magic team for much of the campaign.
The duo have been forced to shoulder extra responsibility with American guard Brandon Kimbrough only recently back in action after a lengthy injury lay-off.
But Jones felt the pair let their exemplary standards slip as Magic went down at Taunton last weekend – and he is pushing them to lead the team to the best possible play-off position after seeing title hopes fade away.
“Physically and mentally we have had to ask them to carry a heavy burden especially with the injuries and it has been tough for them,” said Jones.
“For the first time I was a little disappointed last weekend, especially given how well they have done for us all year.
“It has been tough on them and they are fatigued and have had to play a lot of minutes.
“They have done an amazing job, especially while we have been without Brandon. He’s back but a little frustrated that he is not 100 per cent yet.
“But we want to push for the last four wins and have a good shot at the play-offs, which are, of course, at our place.”
Sat in fourth, four points off leaders Derby, the championship is realistically, if not mathematically, out of their reach.
But Magic can start a late push for a home quarter-final play-off slot with a trip to Sheffield tomorrow and a home clash with London Mets on Sunday.
“Hopefully, I will be able to give Stef and Watts a bit of an easier time against Sheffield and we can have a good go at Mets on Sunday.”
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