Kevin Durant Gets Emotional in Court of Gold, Reflects on Basketball’s Power to Heal and Unite

Kevin Durant’s love for basketball runs deep, and it’s a love that transcends just the game itself. In the new Netflix docuseries Court of Gold, which premiered on Monday, Durant opens up in an emotional moment where he reflects on his experience playing in the Olympics. The future Hall of Famer, who has already achieved almost everything there is to accomplish in basketball, gets visibly choked up as he talks about the significance of bringing people together through the sport.

Durant begins by acknowledging the stark realities of the neighborhoods he grew up in, where people were often divided and hesitant to even speak to one another. But basketball, to Durant, has always been a unifying force—something that can bridge those gaps. He talks about the power of the game to make people laugh, joke, and forget their struggles, even if just for a moment. “It’s crazy to see,” Durant says, speaking about the fans who travel long distances, sometimes from across the globe, just to watch him play in the Olympics. They spend their hard-earned money and bring their families with them, all to see their favorite player compete on the world stage.

For Durant, basketball has been more than just a career or a sport; it’s been a lifeline. The game, he says, has saved his life and helped pull him and his family out of difficult situations. This sense of gratitude runs deep within him, as he recognizes that the sport gave him not just fame, but a chance at a better life.

In a world often filled with negativity and division, Durant sees the Olympics and basketball in general as a rare opportunity for people to come together. It’s a powerful reminder of how a simple game can transcend boundaries, heal wounds, and create lasting connections, both on and off the court.