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.
Shaquille O’Neal Backs Charles Oakley’s MSG Return Amid 9-Year Feud
Shaquille O'Neal throws his support behind Charles Oakley's return to Madison Square Garden after a 9-year ban.
Security Imposes Ban on Watch Parties for Donald Trump’s NBA Finals Visit
Donald Trump's NBA Finals visit brings heightened security, with officials scrapping watch parties around MSG.
Viral Spurs Fans Cancel NBA Finals Game 2 Plans After Controversial Incident
After claims of unwanted behavior near the arena, two Spurs supporters decided against returning to their seats for Game 2 of the NBA Finals.
Charles Barkley Stopped Himself From Breaking Down in Tears Seeing Victor Wembanyama’s Passion for the Game
Charles Barkley gets emotional watching Victor Wembanyama's deep commitment to winning, praising the Spurs star's passion and future.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani Sends Clear Message to Knicks as NYC Faces $13 Billion Pressure
With New York staring at a $13 billion challenge, Mayor Zohran Mamdani calls on the New York Knicks in NBA Finals while rallying city pride.
“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.
