When we reviewed Netflix’s latest basketball film, ‘Rez Ball’, last week, we remarked that soon the streaming service’s signature ‘ta-dum’ sound might end up resembling a ball bouncing on the hardwood, such was their dedication to court content.
Lo and behold, they’ve done exactly that for their new basketball documentary series, and we honestly had no idea.
In alphabetical order by last name: Jimmy Butler, Anthony Edwards, LeBron James, Domantas Sabonis, and Jayson Tatum. Who’s beating that ‘Starting 5’?
Nobody!
Especially coached by executive producers, Maverick Carter, Peyton Manning and Barack and Michelle Obama. Reaching for Higher Ground on the wonder that are these ten behind-the-scenes, all-access episodes.
Especially coached by executive producers Maverick Carter, Peyton Manning, and Barack and Michelle Obama, “Reaching for Higher Ground” explores the wonders of these ten behind-the-scenes, all-access episodes.
You’ve never experienced the NBA quite like this with these famous five future Hall of Famers. We have Kings (in all forms), multiple champions, MVPs, and even the star of a Fall Out Boy video.
The courtroom drama on the hardwood can truly become cinematic. Among all the basketball blockbusters released since COVID, especially on Netflix, this is the best step down the floor since ‘The Last Dance’.
Much like ‘The Redeem Team’ documentary and the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic one, this showcases the NBA’s superstars like you’ve never seen them before. Intimate and uninterrupted, it is as inspiring as these athletes are influential to a legion of fans and aspiring basketball players.
Released to coincide with the preseason hype of the 2024/2025 NBA campaign, “Starting 5” takes us in a time machine and makes us a fly on the wall for last season.
All we can say is that we hope Netflix has the cameras and microphones on five more guys this season as well.
The scary hours start on Halloween, as we get to see King James dress up as Beetlejuice and something even scarier in ‘Emo Jimmy.’ Through their separate journeys, we meet the hoopers, from a focused Tatum to a humble Sabonis.
This show really revs up when the Lamborghini finale of episode one introduces Anthony “I want to cook LeBron” Edwards as the Ant-Man superhero that he is.
Well…if the sneaker and cape fits.
The talents behind the documentary couldn’t have predicted it, but thanks to their direction with two players, we also get an even closer look at the champions of both the NBA Finals and the new In-Season Tournament (now named the Emirates Cup).
That’s just what storied franchises like the Celtics and the Lakers do for you.
Christmas Day and All-Star festivities also headline ‘Starting 5’ with its exciting on-court action, almost as good as (and closer than) actually being there. These ten epic episodes also serve as a tour guide to Boston, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Minnesota, and Miami, not to mention other great American cities on the NBA road-trip map.
Documentaries these days become even more personal when their subjects break the fourth wall and speak directly to the screen, without the need for an interviewer. When the Uninterrupted, Omaha, and Higher Ground production gets even deeper and darker, we truly feel it.
LeBron talking about almost losing the young prince, he’s about to make NBA history with. The sad death of Jimmy Butler’s father, Jimmy Butler Jr. It resonates and is as real as it gets.
Through tragedy, blood, sweat, tears, and plenty of injuries, the cream of the NBA court crop still get it done. With the game and the league on the line, you wouldn’t want to go with many other players to make your perfect first unit.
A Netflix sports series like no other, it’s time you got started watching.
Stop whatever else you’re doing and take five.
