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Disney, ESPN and the NBA are teaming up to present Dunk the Halls – the first real-time animated NBA game using Sony’s Beyond Sports technology. The game will air on Christmas Day, at 12 p.m. ET when the New York Knicks host the San Antonio Spurs.
Dunk the Halls will be presented on ESPN2, Disney+ and ESPN+. The special alt-cast marks the first animated presentation of an NBA game and the first NBA game to stream on Disney+.
Drew Carter will serve as the play-by-play commentator alongside ESPN basketball analyst Monica McNutt. The duo will be joined by a sideline reporter Daisy Duck.
Other features of the broadcast include a halftime performance featuring the Disney characters, led by Mickey Mouse, competing in a special slam dunk contest. Additionally, Santa’s Elves will operate the cameras for the game while Santa himself will operate ESPN’s “SkyCam” during the game.
All five NBA Christmas games on December 25 will be available on ABC, ESPN, Disney+ and ESPN+. The traditional broadcast of the Spurs vs. Knicks game will be called by Ryan Ruocco, analyst Cory Alexander, and reporter Cassidy Hubbarth.
ESPN recently announced it will also produce an animated, real-time alt-cast for Monday Night Football on December 9 called The Simpsons Funday Football, streaming on Disney+ and ESPN+.
