Yardbarker

Sai Mohan

NBA Writer

A veteran sportswriter based in Portugal, Sai covers the NBA for Yardbarker and a few local news outlets. He had the honor of covering sporting events across four different continents as a newspaper reporter. Some of his all-time favorite athletes include Mike Tyson, Larry Bird, Luís Figo, Ayrton Senna and Steffi Graf.

EXPERTISE:

NBA, Tennis, Boxing, Pro Wrestling

Jimmy Butler ties Michael Jordan playoff record

Butler joined some elite company with his latest playoff performance.

Brandin Podziemski makes Warriors franchise history

Podziemski provided a spark for the Warriors when they needed one, putting together a solid all-around game in the process and making franchise history.

Draymond Green again proves why he's worth all the trouble

The eight-time All-Defensive ace has wreaked havoc on the Rockets offense through the first four games of their playoff series.

Cavaliers, Thunder prove their regular-season records were for real

The top-seeded Cavaliers and Thunder didn't just sweep their first-round playoff opponents; they drubbed them.

'Lifeless' Luka Doncic vindicates Nico Harrison's concerns

Doncic shot 1-of-6 in the fourth quarter and struggled mightily on defense in the Lakers' 116-113 loss to the Timberwolves in Game 4 of the first round on Sunday. 

It's convenient to blame JJ Redick for Game 4 loss

Redick employed an unusual strategy in the Lakers' Game 4 loss and has taken some heat for the move.

Jaden McDaniels has grown leaps and bounds as a two-way threat

McDaniels is the perfect example of an evolving player.

Bucks guard ties franchise record in Game 3 win

Bucks head coach Doc Rivers' decision to insert Gary Trent Jr. into the starting unit paid off in a big way on Friday.

Lakers' lack of rim protection costs them in Game 3 vs. Timberwolves

The Lakers' lack of size and rim protection has been a glaring weakness ever since they traded Anthony Davis. Those issues were more prevalent than ever in their Game 3 loss to the Timberwolves on Friday. 

Jaylen Brown warns of 'a fight' in Magic-Celtics series

Brown has warned officials that a fight might break out if the physicality isn't curtailed.

Clippers have real home-court advantage in playoffs for first time ever

The inauguration of the Intuit Dome is proving to be a game-changer for the Clippers.

Knicks regain identity in Game 3 win over Pistons

The Knicks got away from their free-flowing offensive rhythm in Games 1 and 2 of their first-round playoff series against the Pistons. All that changed in Game 3.

Frustrated Nikola Jokic shows rare emotion in 34-point loss

Jokic is a man of few emotions, but he let it rip on his teammates during the Nuggets' 117-83 blowout loss to the Clippers on Thursday in Game 3.

Where Thunder's comeback win ranks in NBA playoffs history

Chet Holmgren scored 23 points in the second half as the Thunder overcame a 29-point deficit to take a 3-0 series lead over the Grizzlies on Thursday night.

Jaylen Brown moves up another rung in Celtics lore

With Jayson Tatum sidelined for the first time in his playoff career, Jaylen Brown answered the bell for the Celtics in their 109-100 Game 2 victory over the Magic on Wednesday.

Rockets HC sends stern warning to Warriors after Game 2 win

The Warriors looked small and helpless against a Rockets squad that thrives when it imposes its will physically. 

Celtics big man responds to physical Magic: We won't let teams 'punk us'

The inexperienced Magic squad has tried its best to rattle the Celtics, but the champs are intent on clapping back.

Alperen Sengun joins big man royalty after first two playoff games

Sengun, aptly nicknamed "Baby Jokic," is trending as the next 7-footer to make big men relevant again.

History suggests Lakers will reach NBA Finals

Let's connect the dots and highlight the telltale signs working in the favor of Luka Doncic, JJ Redick and Co. 

The latest feather in tennis legend Serena Williams' cap

We now have more evidence that crowns Serena Williams as a true oddity in a male-dominating sporting world.

NBA's midseason shakeup yielding 25-year high in ratings

The NBA is the healthiest it's been in decades when it comes to parity, and the high quality of competition is bringing in the eyeballs.

'Most overrated' Tyrese Haliburton silences critics

In the lead-up to Tuesday's Game 2 against the Bucks, The Athletic's annual anonymous player survey revealed the Pacers star earned the unwanted distinction of being voted the "Most Overrated Player" by his peers.

Luka Doncic becomes first player to achieve this playoff feat

Luka Doncic is notorious for his slow starts, but he's hit the ground running in his postseason career with the Lakers.

Staggering numbers show how teammates are failing Giannis Antetokounmpo 

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a one-man wrecking crew through the first two games of the 2025 NBA playoffs. Sadly for the Bucks, his heroics haven't been enough to get them in the win column.

NBA needs to look into 'dirty play' on Luka Doncic

Basketball fans are enjoying the physicality in the NBA playoffs. That said, there's a fine line between being physical and dirty.