Sky’s-Kamilla Cardoso sends warning on Angel Reese duo after Dream win

CHICAGO — The Chicago Sky returned to Wintrust Arena on Tuesday for an intense matchup against the Atlanta Dream. The game’s start was back and forth, but Chicago’s late push fended Atlanta off 78-69. Angel Reese extended her recording-breaking double-double streak alongside a strong performance from Kamilla Cardoso. Both rookies accounted for 24 of the Sky’s 43 total rebounds. Cardoso revealed a scary warning after the game about the young frontcourt’s efforts that will catch everyone’s attention.

“I just think we do a great job rebounding,” Cardoso began, before dropping a major recollection. “When I got drafted I said, ‘Nobody’s going to get rebounds over us when me and Angel are together.’ I just think we do a great job [on the boards].”

Kamilla Cardoso understands the potent rebounding ability she and Angel Reese possess. Cardoso finished the matchup with 11 boards and 10 points, while Reese contributed 13 boards and 11 points. The Sky knew the type of interior forces they would get when they drafted the two former SEC rivals, and their plan is beginning to bloom.

Reese is not the only one Cardoso’s chemistry is improving with. Fourth-year guard Chennedy Carter continues to grow her connection with Cardoso on pick-and-roll plays. Cardoso recognized that and believes her chemistry with the team’s other guards is growing too.

“[The connection] is growing a lot. Not just with her but with every guard on the team. We’ve been working on it. It’s going to get better,” Cardoso added.

Cardoso ended her thoughts with a positive message that captured her team’s mood amid their growth: “I’m so happy.”

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Kamilla Cardoso can become a monster for the Sky by improving these key areas

In early July, Teresa Weatherspoon noted the areas she wants Cardoso to improve in, primarily focusing on offense.

“She’s getting the looks. Now it’s about finishing,” Weatherspoon said before the Sky’s 71-84 July 7 Storm loss. “It’s about getting the position you want, getting to your spots and finding it. It’s about strength and power under the basket, with the way post players are today. Getting to your spot, getting your base, and finishing with power.”

Cardoso is getting opportunities in the paint, but Chicago needs her to improve her efficiency. She shoots 46.2 percent from the field through the season’s first half. Making more of her shots will make her a threat than she already is.

During Chicago’s 81-67 loss to the New York Liberty, Cardoso went 3-for-8 from the field. Of course, her rim attempts were not easy, given the presence of former All-Star Jonquel Jones. But a few missed shots make the difference between wins and losses. Cardoso is just starting her journey, so it will come with time, but when she arrives, it will be huge for Chicago.

“[Cardoso’s improved efficiency is] going to help us tremendously,” Teresa Weatherspoon added. “She’s a force. Once you dominate the paint, it opens things up more for us.”

Christopher Smith is a sports journalist who primarily covers the Chicago Sky, NBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL for ClutchPoints. The Aurora, Illinois native received his education from Creighton University, and he has bylines at Last Word on Sports and FanSided.