Two Episodes into Netflix’s ‘Court of Gold’: Here’s What We Think So Far
Netflix recollects the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, featuring the top nations eying global basketball dominance. Through Jake Rogal’s (The Last Dance, Biography: WWE Legends) creative direction, “Court of Gold” tackles the unseen, the hardships, and the struggles in their pursuit of the title they all so desperately hope to claim.
Released globally on February 18, 2025, the limited six-episode series is a must-watch for basketball fanatics. A ”sort-of spinoff to Netflix’s docuseries Starting 5” through its star-studded cast of interviewees and unfiltered narratives.
Ready to relive the mecca of world basketball? ALL-STAR Magazine tackles the first two episodes of “Court of Gold,” limiting any spoilers (not that they are needed).
The United States of America isn’t untouchable (*insert Ralph Fiennes’ “I can touch you now, Harry” meme). As they stand on the hill as (arguably) the most powerful, a select few are promising candidates for the crown.
Team USA finished fourth (2023) and seventh (2019) at the quadrennial FIBA World Cup. Regarded as “underwhelming” performances given their acclaimed stance, the LeBron James-led squad assembled the “Redeem Team 2.0,” consisting of future Hall of Famers, cagers in their prime, and those in pursuit of all-star-worthy careers. On paper, 2024’s Team USA is one of the most talented rosters ever, but the world looms in from a distance.
It’s also important to note that this isn’t a USA Basketball documentary (if you’re looking for something NBA-centric, may I suggest Starting 5 or the Redeem Team, which is also on Netflix). While they stand as the premier nation, “Court of Gold” captures the communal growth of basketball across the globe—even more given that six of the last NBA Most Valuable Player awardees didn’t come from the States.
Beyond on-court chemistry and raw athleticism, “Court of Gold” simulates an in-depth analysis of the players and their medal-filled aspirations. Stepping into the Olympic spotlight, they unsheathe their professional clubs with a collective goal. Yes, there’s still an emphasis on the King, the Babyfaced Assasin, the Easy Money Sniper, and the like. Still, the spotlight doesn’t shine solely on them.
The journey to the world stage is not a straight path. The docu-series showcases their journeys and commitment to the game, which can be quite emotional for some. Many of the athletes participating have found favor professionally, but their hearts remain with their motherlands. They enact a lifelong promise whenever donning their respective threads.
Converging this commitment with unique storytelling, action-filled sequences, and the biggest names in basketball, Netflix has undoubtedly struck gold. As an avid basketball fanatic, it’s an easy and delightful watch (so far), remaining glued to the screen each second—a heartfelt display of dominance, determination, and love that doesn’t seem to falter, alongside the game’s growth across borders.
Check out “Court of Gold,” now streaming exclusively on Netflix.
