The 2025 NBA Finals between the No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder and the No. 4 Indiana Pacers has proven to be an exhilarating and unpredictable series, starkly contrasting last year's decisive 4-1 Boston Celtics victory. Heading into Game 6, the Oklahoma City Thunder held a 3-2 series lead, with the Pacers facing potential elimination on their home court. The prospect of the series extending to a definitive Game 7 was a rare occurrence, as the NBA Finals had not reached a tie-breaking Game 7 since 2016, making such an outcome a first for this decade.

Game 6 was broadcast on ABC in the United States, with tip-off scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET, preceded by NBA Countdown coverage at 8 p.m. For US cord-cutters seeking live-streaming options, Sling TV emerged as the most economical choice without a free trial. Sling's Orange plan, priced at $46 per month (with a 50% discount for new customers on their first month), provides access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, TNT, and over 30 other live channels. Specifically, ESPN3 was confirmed to live stream NBA on ABC games, including the Finals.

Other premium live TV streaming services, while more expensive, offered extensive channel options and free trials. DirecTV's Entertainment plan, at $85 per month, boasts over 90 channels and a five-day free trial. Fubo's Pro plan, also starting at $85 per month (with a $20 discount for new users on their first month), provides at least 150 live channels and a seven-day free trial, catering especially to sports fans with its vast array of regional and international sports leagues.

For NBA enthusiasts traveling outside the US, virtual private networks (VPNs) offered a solution to maintain access to their usual viewing methods. VPNs allow users to change the virtual location of their devices, enabling them to bypass geo-restrictions. ExpressVPN was highlighted as a top-rated, user-friendly option with a 30-day money-back guarantee, though it was noted that US payment methods were typically required for the streaming services. It's important to remember that the use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries, and their use to access region-locked content may violate service terms.

The highly anticipated Game 6 ultimately saw a dramatic turn of events. The Indiana Pacers, determined to protect their home court, delivered a resounding 108-91 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday. This decisive win forced a crucial Game 7, ensuring the series would go the distance. A key factor in the Pacers' triumph was the remarkable performance of their star player, Tyrese Haliburton. Despite being cleared to play only hours before tip-off due to a right calf injury, Haliburton contributed significantly with 14 points, five assists, and two steals, bolstering a comprehensive team effort. As Haliburton stated,