Uncovering the Question That Sparked Kevin Durant’s Emotional Interview on Netflix’s Court of Gold

Kicking off Netflix’s 2025 lineup this week is “Court of Gold,” a six-part documentary series following four men’s basketball teams competing in the 2024 Summer Olympics held in Paris. Directed by Jake Rogal, the team had exclusive access to the players and coaches, resulting in captivating scenes such as an emotionally charged sequence featuring Kevin Durant. In an interview with TopMob, Rogal shared the intriguing question that sparked this scene.

Towards the close of the second episode, Kevin Durant shares why the Summer Olympics hold deep meaning for him. This two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP speaks candidly about the power of numerous individuals from various nations rallying behind their teams and promoting basketball. As he reflects on his personal journey and the prevalent negativity in society, Durant becomes emotional. In essence, the 15-time All-Star is amazed by people coming together in pursuit of positivity and sportsmanship.

The part of the episode really resonated with me after watching it, primarily because 36-year-old KD is from Prince George’s County, Maryland, just like me. When I talked to Jake Rogal, I couldn’t help but ask him about filming that segment. As it turns out, that conversation was a standout for the director too. Interestingly, the discussion was initiated by a question regarding social media.

One of my favorite moments during the entire process was when Kevin showed his emotions. While inquiring about his interactions on Twitter regarding why he engages with people who don’t have a large following, I expected a light-hearted response. Instead, he transformed the conversation into a heartfelt discussion about his passion for basketball and its significance in his life. He explained that Twitter serves as a means to share his enthusiasm for the sport and sometimes it gets misinterpreted. In a touching moment of self-reflection, Kevin shared what basketball means to him emotionally. It was evident that he became emotional on his own accord, with my question serving more as a catalyst rather than the cause of his emotional response.

It’s surprising to reflect upon the fact that one of the most heartfelt scenes in the entire documentary series stemmed from a question meant to elicit laughter. As a spectator, I can see clearly why Kevin Durant became so emotional. He has demonstrated his deep passion for basketball, and despite achieving great victories, he has faced both triumphs and setbacks. This extends to enduring criticism from Charles Barkley and other commentators. During our conversation, Jake Rogal offered his insights on what these remarks reveal about Durant:

It’s clear that basketball defines Kevin in a unique way, shaping his identity completely. He’s deeply invested, almost exclusively so, in the sport. This intense devotion manifests itself in various aspects of his life. Recognizing this about Kevin can greatly aid in understanding him better. And let me tell you, he’s an exceptional individual – intelligent, emotional, and empathetic. That moment, I believe, was a poignant realization of the profound impact basketball has had on his life, a feeling that the camera often brings out in people as well.

Jake Rogal boasts a wealth of expertise in overseeing documentary interviews, particularly those involving athletes. Notably, one of his previous works is the highly-praised ESPN miniseries, “The Last Dance,” which can be streamed with a Netflix subscription. This Bulls-focused doc contains some intensely emotional scenes, such as when Michael Jordan candidly discusses the public’s view of his competitive spirit. Similarly gripping is the Phoenix Suns’ interview on “Court of Gold,” and a clip from it is shown here:

Read More