“The Game Has Saved My Life”: Why Kevin Durant Was Brought To Tears In Netflix’s Court Of Gold
Netflix’s Court of Gold captures 4-time Olympic gold medalist Kevin Durant during a rare vulnerable moment, reflecting on his past and how basketball has transformed his life. Court of Gold offers unprecedented access to Team USA basketball at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, focusing on the top three members of the so-called “Avengers” squad – LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant.
Durant is the only American basketball player to ever win 4 Olympic gold medals. James, who played in four Olympic Games as well, took home bronze after Team USA’s loss to Argentina at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
Durant tearing up during an interview segment at the end of episode 2 of the six-part docuseries was certainly one of the more moving and surprising moments in Court of Gold. Durant became the top American scorer in Olympic history during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, totaling 518 points across four Olympic appearances.
Durant, known for his fearlessness on the basketball court and clap-back wit on social media, is not often one to show emotion. A three-time NBA Champion and future first-ballot Hall of Famer, Durant gave viewers a peak into his personal life and remarkable ascension through basketball.
Court of Gold reveals a compassionate and reflective Durant soaking in the moment on the Olympic stage for the fourth time in his legendary career in Paris. “I looked in the crowd, it’s 27,000 people from all walks of life, all different countries, coming together for basketball.
It’s incredible to see that.” Durant recognized that these moments are what basketball is all about underneath the money, fame, and glory. “As much as I can try to bring us together that way, that’s what I try to do.” It goes to show how different sports can become on a global platform.
Durant continued, “When people get to start laughing and joking for the game of ball, it’s cool to me. It get’s me emotional.” This existential awareness isn’t always accessible during the long NBA season, which can be quite a grind for Durant and hundreds of his opponents and teammates. “It’s crazy to see somebody say they traveled so long to come see their favorite player play in the Olympics.
They spend their money, they bring their whole family. It’s just dope to me.” A Court of Gold producer notes how much these Olympics mean to Durant, striking an emotional chord.
