Kamilla Cardoso Shines as Chicago Sky's Star in WNBA 2026 Season The WNBA 2026 regular season is entering its third week, with the Chicago Sky emerging as a key contender in the East Division. Central to their success is center Kamilla Cardoso, whose stellar performance has positioned her as one of the league’s most impactful players. With the Sky navigating a transition after losing star Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream in a mid-season trade, Cardoso has stepped into the spotlight, delivering career-best numbers and leading her team toward playoff contention. Cardoso, a third-year player, is averaging 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, making her the Sky’s second-highest scorer and top rebounder. Her ability to dominate on both ends of the floor has been critical as the team adjusts to its new roster. Despite a 99-89 loss to the Dallas Wings on Wednesday, Cardoso showcased her all-around skills with a career-high 24 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. She shot an impressive 71.4% from the field, underscoring her efficiency in high-pressure moments. Her dominance continued in a 86-79 victory over the Minnesota Lynx, where she added a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. These performances have earned her recognition as the Chicago Sky’s Player of the Week, a testament to her growing influence in the league. The award comes as the Sky prepare for a crucial matchup against the Lynx on Saturday, May 23, which will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+. The Sky’s 3-2 record this season places them tied for first in the East, alongside Indiana, New York, and Atlanta. With Cardoso anchoring their offense and defense, the team is optimistic about securing a playoff berth for the first time in two seasons.#angel_reese #chicago_sky #dallas_wings #atlanta_dream #kamilla_cardoso
New year, new Kamilla Cardoso? Sky center's surge hints at new pattern Kamilla Cardoso’s first two seasons with the Chicago Sky were defined by flashes of dominance, but as the 2026 season progressed, questions lingered about whether she could sustain her high-level performance. The 25-year-old center, drafted third overall in the 2024 WNBA draft, had already established herself as a formidable presence on the court, yet her rookie contract, set to expire in 2027, placed her under pressure to prove she could consistently deliver. With the Sky’s roster now fully competitive and their offensive system tailored to maximize her strengths, the stakes had never been higher. Cardoso’s early-season struggles highlighted the challenges she faced. After a strong debut against the Chicago Fire in Portland, she struggled to find her rhythm, shooting just 5-for-16 over the next two games. During this period, she often found herself on the bench, with veteran center Elizabeth Williams stepping in to protect the rim and stabilize the offense. Coaches and teammates worried that Cardoso’s inconsistency might lead to her being traded by midseason, given the team’s need for reliable production. A turning point came during a game against the Minnesota Lynx, where star forward Rickea Jackson suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee. The injury forced the Sky to adjust their strategy, and Cardoso seized the opportunity. In the absence of Jackson, Cardoso delivered a career-high performance, scoring 11 points on 5-for-8 shooting, grabbing 12 rebounds, dishing out four assists, and recording three blocks. Her physicality and defensive intensity marked a stark contrast to her earlier struggles. The improvement was not just a one-game phenomenon.#chicago_sky #kamilla_cardoso #elizabeth_williams #rachel_banham #tyler_marsh
South Carolina Women's Basketball Stars Shine on ESPN's WNBA Top 50 List ESPN released its list of the top 50 WNBA players on Thursday, with South Carolina women’s basketball alumna A’ja Wilson leading the ranking. The list was compiled by ESPN analysts Charlie Creme, Kendra Andrews, Kareem Copeland, and Hall of Famer Michael Voepel. No rookies were included in the final rankings. Wilson, who won the last two MVP awards and four of the past six, is the only four-time MVP in WNBA history. Her dominance was highlighted as the primary reason for her top spot, with analysts noting her unparalleled consistency and statistical dominance. Wilson’s college teammate Allisha Gray, who was named first-team All-WNBA for the first time last season, ranked seventh on the list. Gray averaged 18.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 2023, marking her best statistical season. Andrews explained Gray’s placement by emphasizing her career highs in points, rebounds, and assists. Aliyah Boston, another Gamecock, was ranked 14th. Boston, who recently signed the richest contract in WNBA history, was noted for her consistency over three All-Star seasons. Her 2023 season included 15.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, with analysts highlighting her role as a facilitator during Indiana’s injury challenges. Kamilla Cardoso, the 2024 No. 3 overall WNBA draft pick, ranked 24th after a strong sophomore season. Cardoso averaged 13.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks, finishing fifth in the league in rebounds. Her performance was described as impressive enough to draw attention from the Chicago Sky, though the source does not specify any trades involving Angel Reese. Copeland noted Cardoso’s potential for growth, suggesting her third season could be even more impactful.#south_carolina #a_ja_wilson #aliyah_boston #allisha_gray #kamilla_cardoso
