"Starting 5" shoots and scores in Netflix's newest documentary

October 9, 2024

Courtesy: Netflix

"Starting 5" is Netflix's newest sports documentary. It follows basketball superstars Jimmy Butler, Anthony Edwards, Domantas Sabonis, Jayson Tatum, and LeBron James throughout the 2023-24 NBA season. The 10-episode series premieres today on Netflix, and all episodes are available for streaming.

Directed by Trishtan Williams, Peter J. Scalettar, and Susan Ansman, "Starting 5" is produced by James' UNINTERRUPTED in association with Omaha Productions and Higher Ground Productions. President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama also serve as executive producers.

What do these five athletes have in common? They all strive for greatness, pushing through injuries and balancing the demands of family and legacy. The revealing behind-the-scenes documentary gives viewers an inside look into the personal lives of the superstars as they prepare for their hectic season and everything in between. Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat, Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings, and Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics are featured in the docu-series.

Viewers get revealing images on their team planes, locker rooms, and hotel rooms with candid conversations about what the sport means to them at home. There are funny moments and moments of self-awareness, especially from Edwards, who comments on the series between the Dallas Mavericks and his Timberwolves. We also see his home life as he welcomes his first child with his girlfriend. Each player gets their moment to shine, as there are plenty of revealing moments of the athletes with their families. James highlights the grueling minutes the game has placed on his body entering his 21st season in the league while also discussing the cardiac arrest his son Bronny suffered last year. Tatum's relationship with his parents is also featured. Butler takes a leave of absence to grieve his father, and there is plenty of footage of Sabonis, whose father, Arvydas, played in the NBA with the Portland Trailblazers.

Courtesy: Netflix

The ten episodic list:

1. Meet the Hoopers Part I

LeBron faces a minutes restriction, Jayson aims to cement his legacy with a championship, and Jimmy taps into his diverse interests for an on-court edge.

2. Meet the Hoopers Part II

Anthony stays focused on competing amid buzz about his bright future, while Domantas strives to balance family life with his demanding road schedule.

3. Survival of the Fittest

Rest and recovery regimens are especially vital for the players as the league's first In-Season Tournament brings playoff-level intensity — and injuries.

4. Father Christmas

The players enjoy a festive morning with their families before the Christmas Day games, where Jayson and LeBron go head-to-head in a holiday showdown.

5 The Struggle Is Real

Jimmy works on a country music project, Domantas learns of his All-Star snub, and Jayson faces backlash after losing to a shorthanded Lakers squad.

6. All Star, Baby

LeBron achieves a historic milestone post-All-Star break, Jimmy plays through grief, and Anthony prepares to welcome his firstborn.

7. Push

The players reflect on fatherhood as Anthony embraces his new role as a dad. On the court, the teams battle to secure top seeds and playoff berths.

8. I'm Here!

The season ends for Domantas as Jimmy and the Heat take on the 76ers in the Play-In Tournament. Anthony shines in a game against his idol, Kevin Durant.

9. Passing the Torch

With LeBron facing elimination, debates over the next face of the league intensify. The Celtics stay on top, and Anthony aims to end the Nuggets' reign.

10. Just Be Yourself

Anthony's playoff run stalls in Dallas. The Celtics advance to the NBA Finals, where Jayson lays it all on the line for a shot at his first championship

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The documentary shows the passion, dedication, grit, and sacrifices these athletes endure as they often go on the road, having to play with competing teams in other cities, sometimes for long periods. Tatum said he would cut off one of his fingers to win a championship, and thankfully, he did not have to do that, as the Boston Celtics were the 2024 Champions. Tatum got his first championship, defeating the Dallas Mavericks in five games in the 2024 NBA Finals, and the Celtics won their record-breaking 18th championship, cementing Tatum's legacy in NBA history.

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Starting 5 is currently streaming on Netflix.

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