NBA Writer
Adrija Mahato is a Senior Basketball Writer at EssentiallySports, leading live NBA coverage and specializing in breaking news and major developments. With experience covering both basketball and Formula 1, she brings cross-sport agility and a steady newsroom presence to her reporting. As part of the EssentiallySports' Journalistic Excellence Program, a professional development initiative where writers are trained by industry experts to enhance their reporting and editorial skills, Adrija delivers speed and class.
As a tech graduate, Adrija has a strong understanding of basketball analytics, which she incorporates into her storytelling to provide deeper insights. Over the past year, her standout NBA coverage includes the aftermath of Team USA’s run at the Paris 2024 Olympics, standout performances by LeBron James and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, key trades involving the Celtics and Warriors, Jayson Tatum’s record-setting game, and features such as her exploration of Carmelo Anthony’s career and what defines greatness without a championship.
“Patently False”: Conservative Journalist’s Criticism of Spurs Stars’ Behavior During National Anthem Dismissed by Stephen A. Smith
Stephen A. Smith pushes back on a conservative reporter's claims about San Antonio Spurs stars' anthem conduct before the NBA Finals.
“Not Good at All”: Shaquille O’Neal Disappointed With Victor Wembanyama’s NBA Finals Debut, Sends Warning After Game 1 Loss
Shaquille O'Neal questions Victor Wembanyama's Finals showing and urges Spurs changes after the Knicks seized Game 1 control.
Celtics Won’t Trade Jaylen Brown for Giannis Antetokounmpo but Open to Cutting Ties With Ex-Finals MVP, Says Bill Simmons
Bill Simmons thinks Boston Celtics would pass on a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade involving Jaylen Brown but could move on from another key star.
NBA Opens Investigation Against Spurs Fans After Jalen Brunson’s Complaint to Ref Scott Foster
NBA reviews alleged fan misconduct in San Antonio after Jalen Brunson raised concerns with Scott Foster during Finals Game 1.
LeBron James Reveals Why Cooper Flagg Has a Bigger Upside Than Kon Knueppel
LeBron James weighs Cooper Flagg's record setting rookie year against Kon Knueppel's rise and explains the upside gap.
“It’s Very Time Consuming”: LeBron James Explains His Viral Handshake Tradition Across NBA
LeBron James revealed the story behind his famous pregame handshake routines, detailing the effort and time needed to maintain them.
“I Used to Sell CDs..”: Giannis Antetokounmpo Makes Admission on Tough Life in Greece Before NBA Stardom
Giannis Antetokounmpo reflected on the hardships that shaped his youth in Greece, revealing how far he traveled before NBA fame arrived.
“LeBron Doesn’t Win Titles”: Rich Paul Receives Bitter Reality Check After Controversial Michael Jordan Take
Rich Paul's defense of Scottie Pippen sparks backlash as critics argue LeBron James' titles also depended on elite co-stars.
“He’s Gonna Get Tired”: Ex-Teammate Reveals Victor Wembanyama’s Crucial Weakness to Knicks Ahead of NBA Finals
Ex-Spurs star scouting report offers the Knicks a possible roadmap to test Victor Wembanyama's stamina and impact as the NBA Finals near.
“We Were Really Good Before Chuck Came”: Kenny Smith Explains How Charles Barkley Changed Inside the NBA for Better
Kenny Smith reveals how Charles Barkley transformed Inside the NBA into a louder, freer and culture driven show.
Is Donald Trump a Knicks Fan? Everything to Know About the US President’s Fandom Ahead of the NBA Finals
Donald Trump’s Knicks ties return before the NBA Finals, revisiting his courtside past and rocky NBA history.
Luka Doncic Makes Public Announcement After NBA Ownership Dream Inches Close to Reality in Rome Move
Luka Doncic reacts as his long-linked Rome basketball ownership plans move closer amid NBA Europe expansion talks.
