Why Netflix’s ‘Court of Gold’ Redefines Sports Documentaries in 2025: A Must-Watch Experience!

In the new Netflix documentary “Court of Gold,” there’s a standout scene in Episode 5 that takes you behind the scenes of the Paris Olympics men’s basketball tournament. We find ourselves in the Serbian national team’s locker room during halftime of a pivotal game against the United States. Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić is passionately drawing up a play on a whiteboard, showing his teammates how to counter the strategies of NBA stars Steph Curry and Joel Embiid. It’s the kind of glimpse behind the curtain that basketball fans dream of.

Director Jake Rogal described the unique access the team had. He explained that they learned how to blend in, allowing them to capture genuine moments without being intrusive. This approach led to some incredible footage that makes the series feel authentic.

Later on, we see USA Basketball’s coaches, including Steve Kerr and Erik Spoelstra, enjoying a beer outside the Bercy Arena after a thrilling win against Serbia. LeBron James joins the group, and when offered a beer, he eagerly agrees. This camaraderie showcases the joyous highs that come with victory and how, in those moments, the cameras are almost forgotten.

Rogal, who has previously worked on “The Last Dance,” emphasized the excitement of capturing these intimate moments during times of celebration. The players were so immersed in their happiness that they didn’t even notice the cameras.

The production team had to earn their access. Rogal explained that they were given credentials by the International Olympic Committee, but it was up to the players and coaches to decide how much they wanted to share with the filmmakers. He approached the players in a friendly manner, expressing that he wanted to document their experience without being a distraction.

Four production teams were shadowing different national squads: the U.S., Canada, Serbia, and France. Key players featured prominently include Curry, Kevin Durant, Nicolas Batum, and Bogdan Bogdanović. The series also pays attention to Victor Wembanyama, capturing his emotions after the devastating loss to the U.S. team.

Rogal earned his role thanks to connections in the industry, and he hopes that the documentary resonates with viewers well beyond its initial release. He wants it to speak to broader themes in sports that endure over time.

Switching gears, there was excitement surrounding the recent USA-Canada hockey match, which drew in an impressive 4.4 million viewers. This was the highest viewership for a non-Stanley Cup Final hockey broadcast since 2019. Overall, this matchup generated a remarkable boost in interest for hockey, setting the stage for more thrilling games ahead.

In a recent discussion on my podcast, Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White talked about how her experience in broadcasting shapes her interactions with the media. She emphasized the importance of relationships and understanding the challenges journalists face. This insight helps her approach questions and media engagements with a better perspective, recognizing that everyone plays a role in the sport.

Some interesting articles I came across recently include a deep dive into Rupert Murdoch’s empire and an exploration of Canada’s goalie crisis. There’s also a heartwarming story about the bond between UConn women’s basketball and a dedicated fan, as well as a preview of Lorne Michaels’ potential future with “Saturday Night Live.” These pieces highlight a range of compelling topics in sports and beyond.

Ultimately, it’s moments like those in “Court of Gold” and memorable games that remind us why we love sports — the drama, the camaraderie, and the stories behind the athletes who inspire us.

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Culture, NBA, Sports Business, WNBA