Basketball On-Air Play Breakdowns

NBA plays broken down by broadcasters on the Sandbox AR system. 23 example clips — each cut to a single moment, tagged half-court offense / transition / defense / shot chart / individual skill / tactical overview, with what the AR showed and the analyst's point.

Internal / unlisted. Source: NBA broadcast footage — confirm rights before any public or external sharing.
Half-court offense

Denver Nuggets Offensive Play Exploiting Defensive Miscommunication

“We got the pass, we got the flare screen, and we have miscommunication between the defenders, with the result with Watson with the ball to a wide open lane and the result of two points.”
WhoDenver Nuggets (Nikola Jokic, Peyton Watson, Jamal Murray) and opposing defense (represented by generic players, with Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith mentioned as examples of defensive roles).
AR showsThe Sandbox AR system displayed 3D player models on a basketball court, showing ball movement from Peyton Watson to Jamal Murray, then to Nikola Jokic at the high post, with Watson setting a flare screen. It then demonstrated ideal defensive positioning (Amen Thompson at the nail, Jabari Smith in the paint) versus the actual miscommunication between defenders, which created a wide-open driving lane for Watson.
The pointThe Denver Nuggets run a highly efficient offense led by Nikola Jokic. This specific play demonstrates how a flare screen and subsequent passes can exploit defensive miscommunication and poor positioning, leading to an easy scoring opportunity. Defenders jumping to switches too early or failing to maintain rim protection allow the offense to create wide-open lanes.
Why it mattersNBA fans would be interested in understanding the tactical intricacies of offensive plays, how star players like Jokic facilitate scoring, and how defensive breakdowns, particularly due to miscommunication and poor positioning, can be exploited for easy points.
NBA Showtime · 65s
Individual skill

Jaden McDaniels' Evolving Playmaking and Scoring

“He's in scoring mode, he's attacking the big, thinking put the ball in the basket because I have Gobert on Knieppel.”
WhoJaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley, Knieppel, Randle, Ball, Bridges (Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Charlotte Hornets)
AR shows3D player models on a virtual basketball court, illustrating player movement, screen-and-roll action, defensive rotations (defender going under the screen, late switch), and offensive rebound positioning. Player names like 'McDaniels', 'Knieppel', 'Conley', 'Randle', 'Gobert', 'Ball', 'Bridges', 'Kalkbrenner' are displayed next to the player models.
The pointJaden McDaniels is developing into a more versatile offensive player, making intelligent decisions in transition, reading defenses (defender going under), utilizing screen-and-roll actions, and attacking mismatches while trusting Gobert for offensive rebounds. This shows his evolution beyond just a perimeter player.
Why it mattersFans would be interested in seeing the detailed breakdown of a young player's growth, specifically how Jaden McDaniels is expanding his offensive repertoire, improving his decision-making, and effectively leveraging his teammates like Rudy Gobert. This highlights his potential to become a more complete player.
1. Vince and Melo 1. 3.11.25.mp4 · 57s
Half-court offense

Jaden McDaniels' Pick-and-Roll Attack

“He's in scoring mode, he's attacking the big, thinking put the ball in the basket because I have Gobert on Knueppel, which I like that matchup for offensive rebounds.”
WhoJaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley (Minnesota Timberwolves); Knueppel, Ball, Bridges, Randle, Kalkbrenner (Charlotte Hornets)
AR showsThe Sandbox AR system displayed 3D player models on a basketball court, with player names (McDaniels, Gobert, Conley, Knueppel, Ball, Bridges, Randle, Kalkbrenner) appearing above them. The analysts used hand gestures to illustrate player movement, defensive rotations, and decision points, highlighting specific players and areas of the court.
The pointThe analyst explained how Jaden McDaniels' decision to attack the defensive big (Knueppel) after a screen, rather than passing, created an advantageous scoring opportunity for himself and a potential offensive rebound mismatch for Rudy Gobert. The breakdown also emphasized Mike Conley's role in clearing out the backside to prevent defensive tagging.
Why it mattersNBA fans would be interested in seeing the tactical breakdown of a young player's offensive development, specifically how Jaden McDaniels is improving his decision-making in pick-and-roll situations and utilizing mismatches to score or create opportunities for teammates like Rudy Gobert.
Sandbox on NBC · 57s
Shot chart

Luka Doncic's First Quarter Shot Chart

“We get to show you where he got all of his shots in there, 8 for 12.”
WhoLuka Doncic
AR showsA 3D court displaying Luka Doncic's shot locations and makes (8-12 FG, 2-5 3PT) from the first quarter, totaling 20 points, with animated player models shooting from those spots.
The pointLuka Doncic was incredibly efficient and dominant in the first quarter, scoring 20 points from various spots on the court, demonstrating his ability to get his shots off effectively.
Why it mattersFans would be interested in visualizing Luka Doncic's exceptional scoring performance and shot selection during his dominant first quarter.
American Express At The Half · 12s
Half-court offense

Miami Heat's Innovative Drive and Kick Offense

“It's basically just drive and kick. Get the defense shifting.”
WhoMiami Heat (Davion Mitchell, Bam Adebayo, Wiggins, Powell), opposing defense (Zion Williamson mentioned as defender)
AR showsThe Sandbox AR system displayed 3D player models on a virtual basketball court, illustrating the ball movement, player movement (clearing out, driving), defensive double-teams, and subsequent passes that lead to an open shot. Player IDs (Powell, Fears, Zion Williamson) were shown, demonstrating how the Heat's offense forces defensive rotations and creates scoring opportunities.
The pointErik Spoelstra's innovative offense for the Miami Heat minimizes pick-and-rolls, focusing instead on a "drive and kick" strategy. Players like Bam Adebayo drive to compromise the defense, forcing double teams and rotations. This creates opportunities for quick passes to open teammates, leading to high-percentage shots. The offense emphasizes quick decision-making and constant movement to exploit defensive breakdowns.
Why it mattersFans would be interested in understanding the tactical genius behind the Heat's high-scoring, fast-paced offense, how they create open shots without relying heavily on traditional pick-and-rolls, and how individual player decisions contribute to team success.
3. Tracking Play.mp4 · 104s
Individual skill

Gillespie's Logo Three

“You're pulling from the logo, that is supreme confidence late in the game.”
WhoCollin Gillespie, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers
AR showsPlayer tracking and a shot arc overlay, highlighting Gillespie's position at the logo before taking a three-point shot.
The pointCollin Gillespie demonstrated supreme confidence by taking and making a three-pointer from the logo late in the game.
Why it mattersFans would be interested in a player showing exceptional range and confidence, especially in a crucial moment.
GILLESPIE SANDBOX POSTGAME 12-1.mp4 · 9s
Tactical overview

Gillespie's Potential as a Starter

“I think this kid need to be starting for the Phoenix Suns for the rest of the season.”
WhoCollin Gillespie, Phoenix Suns
AR showsA replay of Gillespie's shot with player tracking and shot arc, used as a visual aid for the discussion.
The pointGillespie's flow, pace, and confidence suggest he should be a starter for the Phoenix Suns for the rest of the season.
Why it mattersFans would be interested in discussions about a promising player's future role and potential impact on a team.
GILLESPIE SANDBOX POSTGAME 12-1.mp4 · 8s
Tactical overview

Team Trust in Gillespie

“You could tell these guys rally around him and they was going to him so they believe in him. The trust factor is there with this kid.”
WhoCollin Gillespie, Phoenix Suns
AR showsA replay of Gillespie's shot with player tracking and shot arc, used to illustrate the team's belief in him.
The pointThe team's willingness to pass the ball to Gillespie indicates a high level of trust and that they rally around his confident play.
Why it mattersFans are interested in team chemistry and how players earn the trust of their teammates and coaching staff.
GILLESPIE SANDBOX POSTGAME 12-1.mp4 · 11s
Tactical overview

Coaching Staff's Development Strategy

“Give the coaching staff credit as well, man, like to figure out how to get the most out of each guy when your best player goes down on the road.”
WhoPhoenix Suns coaching staff, Collin Gillespie
AR showsA replay of Gillespie's shot with player tracking and shot arc, serving as a backdrop for the discussion on coaching.
The pointThe coaching staff deserves credit for effectively developing players and maximizing their potential, especially when key players are unavailable.
Why it mattersFans are interested in the strategic decisions of coaching staff and how they adapt to challenges like injuries.
GILLESPIE SANDBOX POSTGAME 12-1.mp4 · 11s
Shot chart

Gillespie's Shooting Performance and Team Win

“Collin Gillespie believed it tonight. Phoenix went into LA and did what they were supposed to do on a team that played last night.”
WhoCollin Gillespie, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers
AR showsA full court AR display showing multiple Gillespie avatars shooting from various spots, with shot arcs and overall stats (28 points, 10-19 FG, 8-14 3PT).
The pointGillespie's impressive shooting performance (8-14 from three) and the team's sustained confidence led to a decisive win against the Lakers, who were on a back-to-back.
Why it mattersFans would be interested in a visual breakdown of a player's dominant scoring performance and how it contributed to a team's victory.
GILLESPIE SANDBOX POSTGAME 12-1.mp4 · 18s
Individual skill

Devin Booker's Double High Pick-and-Roll

“He wants to double high pick and roll.”
WhoDevin Booker, Toronto Raptors (Scotty Barnes, Jacoby Walter), Jalen Green
AR shows3D player models demonstrating a double high pick-and-roll, defensive switches by Toronto (Green, Barnes, Walter), and Booker's drive to the mid-range.
The pointBooker uses a double high pick-and-roll to force defensive switches, specifically targeting weaker defenders like Jacoby Walter, to create space for his highly efficient mid-range pull-up shot.
Why it mattersFans would be interested in how an elite scorer like Booker creates his own shot and exploits defensive matchups.
NBA on NBC & Peacock · 30s
Individual skill

Booker's Mid-Range Shot Selection and Court Awareness

“Booker understands, it could be a one dribble or two dribble to get to his spot mid-range shot.”
WhoDevin Booker, Jalen Green, Jacoby Walter
AR shows3D player models illustrating Barnes clearing out, Booker driving to the middle, identifying a potential double team, and executing a mid-range jumper with a defender on his hip.
The pointBooker's advanced court vision allows him to anticipate defensive rotations, use teammates to clear space, and choose between a one-dribble or two-dribble pull-up to hit a high-percentage mid-range shot.
Why it mattersFans would appreciate the detailed breakdown of Booker's offensive intelligence and how he consistently gets to his sweet spots.
NBA on NBC & Peacock · 34s
Transition

Houston Rockets Early Offense: Transition Pick and Roll

“It's in transition, the defense is not set up and that is a very dangerous thing when KD has the ball in his hand.”
WhoHouston Rockets (Kevin Durant, Alperen Şengün, Reed Shepherd, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson); Opposing players (McBride, Brunson, Clarkson)
AR showsThe Sandbox AR system displayed 3D player models on a basketball court, illustrating player movement, a side pick-and-roll action, defensive positioning, help defense rotations, and the ball movement leading to an open three-point shot. Specific players like KD, Şengün, and Shepherd were highlighted.
The pointThe Rockets' early offense is highly efficient and effective, especially when the opposing defense is not fully set. Kevin Durant's ability to draw defensive attention (gravity) creates space, and Alperen Şengün's playmaking skills allow him to find open teammates, leading to high-percentage shots.
Why it mattersFans would be interested in understanding how the Rockets leverage their star power and playmaking to exploit unsettled defenses, creating easy scoring opportunities through smart ball movement and player positioning.
NBA Showtime · 51s
Shot chart

OKC's Dominant Third Quarter Shooting

“Knockdown shooters in this one. It's all over the court.”
WhoOKC Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs
AR showsAn augmented reality basketball court displaying animated shot trajectories for every successful field goal made by the OKC Thunder in the third quarter. Overlaid statistics include "POINTS 40", "FIELD GOALS 16-23", and "FIELD GOAL PCT 69.6%". The visual emphasizes widespread scoring across the court.
The pointThe OKC Thunder's exceptional and widespread shooting performance in the third quarter was the primary factor in their significant lead and eventual win, demonstrating their offensive firepower and ability to score from almost anywhere.
Why it mattersFans would be interested in understanding how the Thunder managed such a dominant quarter, visually seeing the volume and accuracy of their shots, and appreciating their offensive execution.
NBA Showtime · 18s
Shot chart

Cade Cunningham's Franchise Record 45 Field Goal Attempts

“one set of franchise record for attempts.”
WhoCade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards
AR showsA 3D court displaying numerous animated shot arcs from various positions, all converging at the basket, illustrating the high volume of shots taken. An overlay graphic later showed Cade Cunningham's stats: 46 PTS, 14/45 FG, 2/11 3PT.
The pointThe segment highlights Cade Cunningham's unprecedented 45 field goal attempts, setting a new franchise record, and his determination to continue playing and boosting his team despite a high number of misses and a back-to-back game.
Why it mattersFans would be interested in seeing a visual representation of a player setting a franchise record for shot attempts, especially when it's part of a high-scoring, triple-double performance, and the discussion around a star player's resilience.
NBA Showtime · 33s
Tactical overview

Phoenix Suns Creating Space for Devin Booker Isolation

“This creates a lot of space for the best player on his team and on his court right now to get his shot off.”
WhoPhoenix Suns, Devin Booker
AR showsThe Sandbox AR system displayed 3D player models on a basketball court, illustrating player movement, screens, and spacing to set up an isolation play for Devin Booker at the top of the key. It highlighted how teammates clear out and occupy defenders to give Booker ample room to operate.
The pointThe Phoenix Suns strategically create optimal isolation opportunities for Devin Booker by clearing out space and occupying defenders, allowing him to operate effectively 1-on-1, or make the right pass if double-teamed.
Why it mattersNBA fans would be interested in understanding the tactical brilliance behind how a star player like Devin Booker gets open for his shots and how team strategy contributes to individual success.
SANDBOX PREGAME BOOKER 11-18.mp4 · 100s
Shot chart

De'Aaron Fox's Season-High Shot Chart

“You see the 28 points, it's in the sandbox right there, Melli, you like these shots?”
WhoDe'Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings
AR showsAn augmented reality basketball court displaying multiple animated De'Aaron Fox figures at various shot locations, with white dotted lines illustrating the trajectory of his shots towards the basket. A graphic overlay shows "VS KINGS 28 11/20 4/8 PTS FG 3PT De'Aaron Fox".
The pointThe analyst highlights De'Aaron Fox's season-high 28 points against the Sacramento Kings, emphasizing his successful return to form after a hamstring injury. The visual representation of his shots demonstrates his scoring efficiency.
Why it mattersFans would be interested in seeing the shot distribution and success of De'Aaron Fox during his season-high performance, especially after returning from injury and playing against his former team.
NBA Showtime · 22s
Tactical overview

Atlanta Hawks: With and Without Trae Young

“Defensively, they're better without him, right?”
WhoAtlanta Hawks, Trae Young
AR showsA graphic titled 'ATLANTA HAWKS THIS SEASON' comparing team performance 'WITH TRAE YOUNG ON THE COURT' and 'WITHOUT TRAE YOUNG ON THE COURT'. It displays Net Rating (-9.8 vs -0.5) and Def. Rating (125.7 vs 110.3), with Def. rating defined as 'points allowed per 100 possessions'. It also notes 'ATL: 19-17 without Young over last 3 seasons'.
The pointThe Atlanta Hawks show improved defensive ratings and a better net rating when Trae Young is not on the court, suggesting the team can perform well even without their star point guard.
Why it mattersNBA fans would be interested in understanding how a star player's absence affects team performance, especially defensively, and if the team can adapt and thrive without their primary playmaker.
NBA Showtime · 26s
Tactical overview

Trae Young's Fourth Quarter Impact

“They're 30 points better net rating in the fourth quarter with Trae Young.”
WhoAtlanta Hawks, Trae Young
AR showsA graphic featuring the Atlanta Hawks logo and text 'Trae Young: Led NBA in assists per game (11.6) last season'. The analyst discusses the team's net rating in the fourth quarter.
The pointDespite the team's overall defensive improvement without Trae, his presence is crucial in the fourth quarter, where the team's net rating is significantly better with him, highlighting his clutch performance and value in closing games.
Why it mattersFans would care about a star player's ability to perform in clutch moments, especially in the fourth quarter, and how that impacts a team's ability to win close games.
NBA Showtime · 5s
Shot chart

Giannis's Dominant Scoring Zones

“You just want to see 20 little Giannises inside the paint.”
WhoGiannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, Clippers, Thunder (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren)
AR showsMultiple animated Giannis figures repeatedly shooting from various spots on the court, showing shot trajectories. Overlaid stats: "VS CLIPPERS 41 PTS 13/22 FG 4/6 3PT". Images of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.
The pointGiannis's scoring efficiency and preferred shot locations, particularly his dominance inside the paint, and how this strategy is a "great recipe for Milwaukee".
Why it mattersFans would be interested in a visual breakdown of a star player's scoring habits, efficiency, and how he consistently attacks the paint.
NBA broadcast · 34s
Individual skill

Jaden McDaniels's Attack and Offensive Rebounding

“He goes and attack, puts it in for two points.”
WhoJaden McDaniels (implied), generic player shown
AR showsAn animated player driving to the basket, shooting, and scoring. The analyst mentions offensive rebounds.
The pointHighlighting a player's ability to attack the basket and secure offensive rebounds.
Why it mattersFans would be interested in seeing how players create scoring opportunities through aggressive drives and follow-up plays.
NBA broadcast · 6s
Tactical overview

Jaden McDaniels's Pick-and-Roll Evolution

“This is the next step in the elevation of and evolution of of his game. Being able to play in that pick and roll.”
WhoJaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell (VS BUCKS)
AR showsAnimated players demonstrating a pick-and-roll action on a full court. Later, a graphic with Donovan Mitchell's image and stats (24 PTS, 9/20 FG, 1/8 3PT vs Bucks).
The pointJaden McDaniels's development in playing the pick-and-roll, making plays for himself, and utilizing mismatches with Rudy Gobert.
Why it mattersFans would be interested in understanding the tactical evolution of a player, especially in executing key offensive sets like the pick-and-roll and exploiting defensive mismatches.
NBA broadcast · 20s
Shot chart

Giannis Antetokounmpo's Dominant Shot Chart vs. Knicks

“You just want to see little Giannises inside the paint.”
WhoGiannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks
AR showsA 3D court displaying Giannis Antetokounmpo's shot locations against the Knicks, represented by multiple player figures. The chart showed a high concentration of shots inside the paint and near the free-throw line, with only one three-point attempt. On-screen stats were 37 PTS, 16/22 FG, 0/1 3PT.
The pointGiannis's scoring dominance comes from his efficient play inside the paint and around the free-throw line, rather than relying on outside shots. This strategy is a highly effective 'recipe' for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Why it mattersNBA fans would be interested in seeing a visual breakdown of how Giannis scores his points, highlighting his unique and highly efficient offensive approach that focuses on driving to the basket.
NBA on ESPN · 22s