DEERFIELD, Il. Halfway through the 2024 WNBA season, the Chicago Sky managed to earn a spot in the playoffs and stay there. The Sky’s highly regarded rookies Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese are largely responsible for their success. During one of Chicago’s post-WNBA All-Star/Olympic break sessions, the two gifted rookies gave a serious reflection on an exciting first half of the season.
Angel Reese, a forward for Chicago Sky, and Kamilla Cardoso, a center for Chicago Sky, threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso were brutally honest during the first half. Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/USA TODAY Sports
Cardoso began her perspective by praising her accomplishments while avoiding excessive nostalgia.
To be honest, I thought it was passable, but that was a while ago. We now need to concentrate on the second half, and my goals for it are to finish strong, play aggressively, and get more rebounds. Following practice on Wednesday, Cardoso stated, “Just being out there with my teammates and doing whatever it takes to get wins.”
Due to a preseason shoulder injury, the former NCAA champion was not able to play during the first few games of the season. As a result, when she made her Sky debut, it took her some time to find her rhythm. Nevertheless, through her first 18 games of 2024, she averaged 8.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks, showing strong interior play.
Additionally, Cardoso disclosed the areas she improved throughout the break:
“I was working out with bigger players in order to become more aggressive. That seems to be the main thing that people tell me. “You need to exert more aggression.” I’ve been working on and finalizing it, so. I am aware that my finishing wasn’t great.
Cardoso’s desire to improve her inside game is encouraging for a Sky club that needs more offensive output—especially in light of the trade of Marina Mabrey.
In a similar vein, Angel Reese discussed the topics she concentrated on while on leave.
Reese is staring straight ahead.
“Seeing a lot of movies. David Simon, our guy, is an expert in statistics. When questioned about her work during the break, Reese replied, “I’m about my numbers and trying to figure those things out and look for areas to improve.”
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The rookie striker is aware of how crucial analytics are to her style of play. Reese’s 2024 WNBA season got off to one of the best starts ever. With an average of 13.5 points and 11.9 rebounds through her first 24 games, she broke too many double-double records, won her first All-Star berth, and was named June’s Rookie of the Month. Nonetheless, Reese is committed to moving forward, just like Cardoso.
“Just being able to look after my physical needs. I observed a few of the athletes. Seeing how long [Diana Taurasi] has been able to play in the league… observing [A’ja Wilson’s] enormous success, her several medals, achievements as an All-Star, and her Olympic adventures. And I would really like to accomplish that. So being able to understand my body and being able to take care of my body,” Reese said when asked if participating in the All-Star game or watching the Olympics provided her newfound inspiration.
This much-needed rest was had. Not just for myself, but also for my fellow players.
Reese and Kamilla Cardoso both want to continue developing with the Sky as they try to maintain their lead in the 2024 playoff race in the second half of the season.
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