Watch NBA Touched by Gold

NBA Touched by Gold is a documentary film that explores the untold stories of the USA Men's Olympic basketball teams that brought home the gold over the past few decades. From the Dream Team in 1992 to the most recent 2016 team, the film showcases the challenges and triumphs each team faced during their Olympian campaigns. The movie opens with a brief history of Olympic basketball, including the evolution of the sport, the decision by the NBA to allow players to participate, and the resulting dominance of American teams. The film features interviews with NBA legends like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James, as well as current players like Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony, who are all now Olympic gold medalists.

The film is divided into chapters that focus on each Olympics and the respective team that represents the United States. The filmmakers delve into the unique stories that surrounded each squad, from the legendary dominance of the 1992 Dream Team to the underdog 2004 team that found redemption in Athens.

One of the most compelling parts of the film is how it portrays the personal journeys of these iconic basketball players outside of their basketball accomplishments. Magic Johnson speaks candidly about his HIV diagnosis and how the support of his Dream Team teammates helped him through that difficult time. Kobe Bryant discusses his estranged relationship with his family and how the Olympic experience brought them back together. LeBron James opens up about his own personal motivation for representing the United States in the 2008 and 2012 games.

The documentary also digs into the fierce competition the US teams faced when going up against international opponents, illustrating how many countries began to bridge the gap in talent and athleticism. The film carefully examines how strategic adjustments were made by the American teams to continue their excellence and keep winning gold medals. In particular, the film explores the significance and impact of international basketball players like Yao Ming and Dirk Nowitzki, who inspired young basketball players across the world.

NBA Touched by Gold also pays tribute to some of the lesser-known members of the Olympic teams, the ‘glue guys’, who were able to rally their teammates and deliver pivotal performances. The likes of Carlos Boozer, Tayshaun Prince and Andre Iguodala share their behind-the-scenes anecdotes, providing an intimate view of the challenges and rigors that go beyond the box score.

The documentary is complemented by dynamic editing and production, injecting highlights, animations and musical scores that enhance the narrative. Overall, the film effectively bridges the gap between the legendary status of the featured players and their more human aspects, creating an engaging story with an unfailing sense of inspiration and achievement.

In summary, NBA Touched by Gold is an impressive documentary that showcases the grit and determination of the American basketball players while providing an insider’s view of the Olympic games over the years. The film intertwines personal and relatable stories of players both on and off the court, bringing to life the narrative of the USA Men’s Basketball national team’s journey from the Dream Team through to the latest squads that dominate the competition. It is an essential must-watch for basketball fans and enthusiasts who are fascinated by the game's history and the people who have played it at the highest level.

NBA Touched by Gold is a documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 3 minutes.