Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant's love for basketball runs so deep that it moved him to tears during an interview for the upcoming Netflix and Olympic Channel documentary Court of Gold. The documentary, which highlights the basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics, features Durant, who helped lead Team USA to a gold medal in previous Olympic games.
Kevin Durant: An emotional tribute to the game
In a teaser released by Netflix on Monday, Durant is seen becoming visibly emotional as he reflects on the profound impact of playing in the Olympics. As he talks about the support basketball receives from the international community, the emotions overwhelm him, and he takes a brief pause to wipe away tears. Durant’s love for the game transcends sportsmanship; it's a reflection of how basketball brings people together in a world filled with division.
I come from neighborhoods where people don't even talk to each other, Durant shared. There's so much hate in the world, too. When people get to start laughing and joking for the game of ball, it's cool to me. So, like it gets me emotional, dog.
Durant also expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support basketball players receive from fans worldwide.
It's crazy to see people travel so long to come see their favorite player play in the Olympics, Durant said. They spend their money, they bring their whole family. It's just dope to me.
Basketball: A lifeline for Kevin Durant and his family
As he wiped away his tears, Durant continued, discussing the life-changing impact basketball has had on him and his loved ones.
The game has saved my life, Durant said. It brought me and my family out of a lot of bulls***. I’m just grateful for it. For real.
A Legacy of Olympic Excellence
Durant’s commitment to basketball, especially on the Olympic stage, is undeniable. Over the course of his career, Durant has become one of the sport’s greatest scorers, earning four Olympic gold medals—the most by any male basketball player in history. Despite not being invited to the 2008 Olympics following his rookie NBA season, Durant has accepted every invitation since and solidified his place in the history of USA Basketball.
Durant’s success in the Olympics is highlighted by his MVP performance at the 2021 Tokyo Games and his record as the USA’s all-time Olympic scorer, surpassing both men’s and women’s totals.
The first episode of Court of Gold debuted on Netflix early Tuesday, though it did not feature Durant’s emotional interview. Instead, the teaser video showed Durant’s memorable interaction with the French team, where he playfully questioned their ability to guard Steph Curry.
While it's unclear how much further Durant delves into his personal journey in the documentary, one thing is clear: the game of basketball holds an immense significance in his life, particularly at the Olympic level.