“Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten”– Lilo and Stitch. It’s the one supporting factor to get through in life. It’s what you miss on a sloggish day. But when that supporting factor becomes literal and comes to your place of work- there’s no better motivation. And it was just fitting that Jamal Murray’s whole family was present during his Game 5 masterclass against the LA Clippers. When he saw the sparkle in his daughter’s eyes, gazing at him in childish wonderment, all he could think of doing was to make her proud.

Everyone thought Nikola Jokic would steal the show again. He did, to an extent – recording his nth triple-double of the season. But Murray’s 43-pointer took the spotlight away from that- and rightfully so. The Joker’s been looking for the supporting cast to step up. You might as well hand Jamal the Oscar for that right now. His driving factor? Watching his family looking on, donning the Murray name with pride.

“I didn’t even finish my pregame routine just because I had her out there. And sometimes that just relaxes me. I don’t have to think about the game. I literally didn’t think about the game coming into the game. So it’s cool just to have her and kind of have my priorities in front of me. And when I go play, I’m just playing free. And that’s how play tonight. So yeah, I give my daughter credit,” said the Canadian guard in the postgame press.

This performance had a little history etched to it. His 6th-career 40+ point postseason game takes him into the top spot for the most 40+ point games in Nuggets postseason history, surpassing his current teammate Nikola Jokic. Just to put a stamp on his acts last night- he recorded 43 points, 5 boards, 7 assists, 8 3PMS and 3 steals, while also shooting 17-of-26 from the field. From 2-1 down, Denver are now just one game away from facing OKC in the Western Semis.

But one of the usual suspects had an underwhelming night. It was good the other 4 came to life to hide Michael Porter Jr.’s struggles. He was probable heading into Game 5, and is still struggling to adapt to it by his own admissions. “I mean, it’s getting incrementally better, so that’s good. Today I didn’t have to take a shot, but it was in a little bit more pain than probably last game because I didn’t take the shot. I’m just going out there trying to space the floor. know they’re not really leaving me. So just trying to space the floor and help my teammate in any way I can.

In the midst of all that, came a shining light they never expected – Russell Westbrook. The Mile-High’s 6th man came in huge in a shorter cameo compared to their usual Fantastic 5. But this is a surprise after his random injury that took him out of contention in the past two games.

Russell Westbrook keen to help Nuggets despite lack of game time

The veteran has taken a step back this season, averaging just about 28 minutes per game. But he would’ve been the most keen to get his new team out of the first-round series against his former team. And that’s the exact mentality he came into the series with- until he injured his foot in pregame warm-ups before Game 3 last week and ultimately left the game early after trying to play through it. He even got sidelined for game 4 fully. But on his return, came an invaluable 21-point showing in just 25 minutes on the pitch.

This is what he does. This is what he’s been working towards in the gym for the past week. “It was random, but just treatment, locking in on what I need to lock in on simultaneously stand in the gym, making sure I’m keeping the rhythm, being ready to come back and full goal, playoffs, so I have much time to ease your way into any game. And I’ve been able to do that, be a professional, be there for my team and be a voice lead even when I’m not playing,” said Russ in his postgame press.

We got vintage Beastbrook before GTA 6. His combination with Murray handed the Clippers their first back-to-back losses since March 4th. Questionable before game 5, questionable in his decision making – but a guaranteed force on the court. His bursts of energy are the forefront of his game, and he’s proud of it. “I think it’s something that personally I take pride in, in being prepared to bring that for my team every night.”

This is what they needed. Nikola Jokic has suffered for far too long without help. But Jamal Murray and Russell Westbrook’s performances would’ve given him and David Adelmen enough confidence to believe that the Nuggets can go all the way. We were promised a classic – and boy, did this series deliver. Who do you think will be the Thunder’s next opponents?