Chicago’s rookies aren’t messing around.
One of Kamilla Cardoso’s first comments after being selected by the Chicago Sky in the May draft was, “Nobody’s going to get rebounds over us when me and Angel are together.”
She was accurate. Together, Reese and Cardoso are averaging 22.8 points and 21.2 rebounds per game. Together, the two have been Chicago’s rebounding powerhouses, dominating the boards each and every night. When the two are on the court together, the Sky are grabbing 77 percent of the available defensive rebounds and 39 percent of their own misses; if these stats were applied to all minutes played, they would easily lead the whole league.
When the Sky faced the Atlanta Dream in July, Reese and Cardoso created WNBA history. They both recorded a double-double for the third time this season, making it the most double-doubles ever by a rookie tandem in WNBA history.
Reese has set a new WNBA record for single-season rebounds with 418, accomplishing this feat in only 32 games. She also claimed the season record for offensive rebounds at 165. She has clearly lived up to the hype, consistently making double-digit rebound games look effortless. Currently, she is averaging 13.5 points and 12.9 rebounds, and she has achieved a remarkable streak of three straight games with 20 or more rebounds—no other player has ever recorded two consecutive games with 20 rebounds.
Meanwhile, Cardoso is beginning to hit her stride, having recently scored a career-high of 22 points. Her speed and agility are remarkable for a player of her size in the center position. Although her statistics don’t quite match those of Reese, she has still been a valuable presence for the Sky on the court, serving as a formidable rim protector who intimidates opponents driving into the paint.
“I admire Kamilla’s confidence, her ability to go strong to the basket and finish, and then convert at the free-throw line. I’m really proud of her. Her confidence has been impressive since the break,” said Reese, according to CBS Sports.
They are unbeatable as a pair, and it’s possible that they’re headed towards becoming the league’s most dominant frontcourt tandem. Reese can attack the basket and create plays, while Kardoso can stretch the floor and provide a defensive spark. When the two are on the court, the Sky are just minus-0.8 points per 100 possessions, which is a really amazing stat for two rookies who are still getting used to anchoring their club at both ends of the court.
To cap off this incredible season with a bang, all the two need to do is secure a postseason berth and keep showcasing their supremacy.
