Another day, another highlight night overseas for a Chicago Sky player.
Center Kamilla Cardoso ended an incredible game for the Shanghai Swordfish of the Women's Chinese Basketball Association with 32 points, 14 rebounds and four assists, according to a Monday tweet from Chinese Women's Hoop Show. The 6-foot-7 center showed her defensive potential with two steals and three blocks. Her performance was highlighted by a clutch alley-oop, adding to an already-career night with one of the better teams in the WCBA's Group A2 standings, the tweet read.
Cardoso, a top-3 selection for the Sky in last year's draft, has flashed her potential on the boards and the interior in her time with Shanghai this season. She has logged double-doubles in six matchups this season, including in a 43-point win over Hebei that saw her go a perfect 11-11 from the floor. Shanghai stands near the top of the Group A2 standings behind the efforts of Cardoso and former Los Angeles Sparks guard Crystal Bradford, who is averaging a double-double and has scored as many as 29 points this season.
Cardoso averaged 9.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game for Chicago in 2024. She finished her rookie campaign with seven double-doubles and a spot on the WNBA's All-Rookie team. The 23-year-old took spots with a Sky teammate in forward Angel Reese, Sparks forward Rickea Jackson, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and New York Liberty guard Leonie Fiebich. Cardoso ended last season with a total of 96 offensive rebounds, putting her 10 ahead of Connecticut Sun forward Brionna Jones for sixth place in the WNBA.
Six players from Chicago's 2024 roster have logged minutes across the globe. Guard Chennedy Carter, who had played for several overseas squads before her time with the Sky, has dominated in her time with Wuhan Shengfan. She has scored 40 points or more on three occasions, including a season-high 44 in a win over Hebei. Guard Lindsay Allen, who will be under contract for the Sky next season, is averaging 16.4 points and 6.8 assists per game with Botaş SK of the Turkish Women's Basketball Super League.
Cardoso's continued improvement as an interior anchor will be crucial in building up a Sky squad with two first-round picks in this year's draft. The Brazilian center sparsely attempted midrange shots but showed she could be effective with layups in the paint and off assisted attempts. Chicago can pair its big duo of the future with extra playmaking and shooting help at the one and the two, along with players who can create their own shot from the midrange and beyond.