Amazon AI to Revolutionize NBA Fan Experience with Brand-New Stats

Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) are teaming up to introduce a new suite of artificial intelligence-powered statistics, promising to give fans unprecedented insights into the game. This collaboration will debut a platform called "NBA Inside the Game," which will leverage machine learning to analyze player tracking data and generate innovative stats that go far beyond the traditional box score.


Starting with the 2025-26 NBA season, fans will have access to a host of new metrics that aim to quantify previously unmeasurable aspects of basketball. These stats will be integrated across the NBA's digital platforms, including the NBA App and NBA.com, as well as on social media channels and during live game broadcasts.


The New Frontier of Basketball Analytics
At the heart of this initiative are three groundbreaking statistics:

Defensive Box Score: This metric aims to finally give defensive stalwarts their due. By using AI to identify which defender is primarily responsible for an offensive player, the Defensive Box Score will provide a more accurate representation of a player's impact on the defensive end. It will track metrics like ball pressure, double teams, and defensive switches, offering a more nuanced view of defensive performance.


Shot Difficulty: Moving beyond simple field goal percentages, this stat will analyze the quality of a shot attempt. Factoring in variables such as the shooter's position, the type of shot, and the level of defensive pressure, "Shot Difficulty" will provide a more insightful look at a player's scoring prowess.


Gravity: A concept long understood by basketball purists, "Gravity" will now be a quantifiable metric. This stat will measure the attention a player commands from the defense, even when they don't have the ball. It will highlight how superstars create open opportunities for their teammates simply by being on the court.


Deeper Dives with "Play Finder"
In addition to these new stats, the partnership will also introduce a feature called "Play Finder." This tool will use AI to allow fans, broadcasters, and even teams to search for and analyze specific on-court actions and plays from a vast library of game footage. This will provide a powerful new way to understand offensive and defensive schemes.

This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the use of AI in sports, promising to enrich the viewing experience for NBA fans and provide a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the game. As this technology continues to evolve, the way we watch and analyze basketball is set to change forever.