As a lifelong basketball enthusiast who’s spent more nights than I can count glued to the screen during NBA season, I know exactly how it feels to miss a crucial game because life got in the way. There’s nothing worse than tuning in late and realizing you’ve missed a stunning comeback or a game-changing play—like that moment in a recent high-stakes pool match I watched, where Biado scratched on his break just when he had the chance to pull ahead. It reminded me so much of basketball: one small slip, and momentum swings wildly. Grost didn’t just capitalize—he fought back fiercely, nailing a 2-9 combination in rack 24 and then sealing rack 26 with a break and runout to tie things up at 13. That kind of turnaround is exactly what makes live sports so electrifying, and it’s why I’ve made it my mission to never miss an NBA game again. Over the years, I’ve tried everything from setting multiple alarms to subscribing to every streaming service out there, and I’ve learned that staying on top of live games isn’t just about having the right tools—it’s about strategy.

Let’s talk about streaming first, because let’s be honest, cable just doesn’t cut it for most of us anymore. I’ve been using NBA League Pass for about three seasons now, and while it’s not perfect—blackout restrictions can be a real pain—it’s hands-down the most reliable option for watching games live, especially if you’re following multiple teams. Last season alone, I streamed over 90% of the regular-season games, and the video quality rarely dipped below 720p, even during peak hours. But what really changed the game for me was pairing it with a solid VPN. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been “stuck” in a region where the game was blacked out, only to switch my virtual location and jump right back in. It feels like having a backstage pass every single night. And if you’re like me and sometimes juggle work during games, picture-in-picture modes on apps like YouTube TV have been a lifesaver. I’ve literally watched fourth-quarter comebacks while finishing up reports—multitasking at its finest.

Of course, technology is only part of the equation. I’ve found that staying engaged with the NBA community elevates the experience from passive viewing to something much more immersive. Take social media platforms like Twitter, for instance. During last year’s playoffs, I joined real-time conversations with over 2.3 million other fans during the Finals—exchanging reactions, predictions, and even a bit of friendly trash talk. It’s like being in a digital arena where everyone’s invested. And let’s not forget push notifications. I’ve customized my ESPN and Bleacher Report alerts to buzz my phone for key moments: when a star player hits 30 points, or when the score difference shrinks to 5 points or less. That’s how I caught Grost’s incredible comeback in that pool match—a notification popped up just as he leveled the score, and I dropped everything to watch. Those small, timely alerts transform your device into a personal sports assistant.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I have my biases—I’m a die-hard Lakers fan, and I’ll prioritize their games over almost anything else. But even when my team isn’t playing, I make it a point to watch matchups that feature rising stars or legendary players facing off. For example, I estimate that around 65% of must-watch games involve at least one MVP candidate, and tracking those players throughout the season adds layers to your viewing experience. Over time, I’ve built a flexible schedule that blocks out prime-time games, usually between 7:00 PM and 10:30 PM ET, which covers roughly 70% of the league’s live broadcasts. And on busy days? That’s where DVR and extended highlights come in. I’ve rewatched entire games the next morning without spoilers—it’s almost as good as live, especially if you avoid social media like the plague until you’ve caught up.

In the end, never missing an NBA game comes down to blending tech-savviness with a genuine love for the sport. Whether it’s setting up redundant streaming options or engaging with fellow fans online, the goal is to make basketball a seamless part of your life. I’ve gone from frantically searching for scores after meetings to enjoying games almost effortlessly, and that shift has made all the difference. So grab your devices, tweak those notifications, and dive into the next tip-off—you won’t regret it. After all, in sports as in life, you never know when the next Grost-level comeback will happen.