Insights and Emotions from Season 2 of Netflix’s ‘Starting 5’

The second season of Netflix’s documentary series “Starting 5” premiered on October 5, 2023, providing an in-depth look at the challenges and triumphs faced by key players during the **2024-25 NBA season**. This season focuses on five stars: **Shai Gilgeous-Alexander** of the **Oklahoma City Thunder**, **Tyrese Haliburton** from the **Indiana Pacers**, former **Phoenix Suns** forward **Kevin Durant**, **James Harden** of the **LA Clippers**, and **Jaylen Brown** of the **Boston Celtics**. Each player’s journey highlights the pressures of professional basketball and the emotional toll of competition.

The series captures the essence of each athlete’s experience, including struggles with injuries, trade rumors, and the quest for championships. **Rick Carlisle**, the Pacers’ head coach, expressed the challenges of filming, noting, “The Netflix people are driving me nuts… they’re everywhere, you know, and it’s a pain in the ass.”

One of the most significant narratives revolves around the emotional aftermath of a trade that occurred over a decade ago. The early years of the Thunder saw **Durant** and **Harden** rise as two of the league’s elite scorers. However, the **2012 trade** that sent Harden to the **Houston Rockets** continues to resonate with both players.

**Durant** reflects on the trade, stating he was unaware of the contract negotiations and felt blindsided by the public reaction to Harden’s departure. “I was like, ‘Shut the f— up. Y’all just was f—ing scared. Y’all knew we was on the way,” he revealed. **Harden** echoed similar sentiments, expressing anger and disappointment about the trade that altered their trajectory. “Overall, I was mad as hell, too,” he said, recalling the bond they shared during their time together.

In a contrasting storyline, **Haliburton** faced personal challenges early in the season. After participating in the **2024 Paris Summer Olympics**, where he played limited minutes, he struggled with self-doubt and performance anxiety. “I honestly don’t think I’ve ever felt as negative about myself as I did in November and December,” he admitted. Haliburton’s fiancée, **Jade Jones**, noticed his distress and encouraged him to seek help, leading to a critical conversation with NBA skills coach **Drew Hanlen**.

This pivotal moment marked a turnaround for Haliburton, who went on to lead the Pacers to an unexpected NBA Finals run. His resurgence included a stunning performance against the **San Antonio Spurs**, scoring **28 points** in a decisive victory.

The series also highlights the camaraderie between **Gilgeous-Alexander** and **Chris Paul**, another former Thunder player. Their bond, formed during the 2019-20 season, showcases the importance of mentorship in the NBA. After a playoff game, the two engaged in a detailed review of the match, underscoring their commitment to improvement and support for one another.

One of the most dramatic moments in the series occurs during Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The Pacers, trailing by 15 points in the fourth quarter, executed a remarkable comeback. With less than ten seconds remaining, Haliburton made a game-winning jumper, securing a thrilling victory. “It felt like slow motion. Like the ball’s in the air forever. I’m just like, ‘It’s going in,” Gilgeous-Alexander recalled.

Tragedy struck in Game 7, as Haliburton suffered a torn Achilles early in the match, dramatically impacting the Pacers’ chances. The emotional fallout from the injury was palpable, with Haliburton expressing his desire to walk off the court like his idol, **Kobe Bryant**, after sustaining a similar injury. “I knew what it was,” he said. His emotional breakdown in the locker room, surrounded by family, illustrated the depth of his commitment to the game and his team.

Ultimately, the Thunder triumphed over the Pacers with a score of **103-91**, claiming the championship title. The raw emotions captured in “Starting 5” offer viewers a profound understanding of the human side of professional sports, showcasing the highs and lows that define an athlete’s career.

As the series unfolds, it provides an intimate look at the players’ journeys, their struggles, and the relationships that shape their paths in the competitive world of basketball. With heartfelt storytelling and candid moments, “Starting 5” Season 2 continues to resonate with fans and enthusiasts alike.