Kamilla Cardoso is ecstatic for her future with Reese and the things Sky-Fever matchups are bringing to the WNBA.

“I’m so excited. I think our future is bright, and I’m so proud of her and everything she’s doing out here,” Cardoso claimed during Sunday’s postgame press conference. “Angel’s been good since college. Her game’s translating really well, and I’m picking up on that too. I want to be a rebounder and to be able to make layups.”

Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese shared their fair amount of battles in the SEC during their college days. Reese was a force for the LSU women’s basketball team, helping the program win the 2023 NCAA Tournament. One year later, Cardoso helped the South Carolina women’s basketball team go undefeated and win their third title in eight years.

Both stars possess similar skills, although Cardoso has the advantage of being 6’7″, four inches taller than Reese. They look to continue improving and become one of the most unstoppable frontcourt in the WNBA. Cardoso and Reese both ended Sunday’s game with a double-double, Cardoso with 16 points and 10 rebounds and Reese with 25 points and 16 rebounds.

Despite being 22 years old, Reese has already etched her name into league record books. She notched her eighth straight double-double against the Fever, the most consecutive for any WNBA rookie ever. Cardoso is making a name for herself as well.

She missed the first part of the season with a shoulder injury but has returned and been effective. Through nine games, the starting center averages 9.3 rebounds, 7.2 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks. Kamilla Cardoso is not just excited about her future with Angel Reese but about the WNBA as a whole.

Cardoso, Reese believe Sky-Fever matchups signal bright WNBA future

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Sunday’s game was a thriller like no other. Indiana and Chicago traded momentum, and the game came down to the final seconds. In the end, the Sky made a stout defensive stand and stopped the Fever from scoring at the last second.

Several celebrities and athletes attended the sell-out marquee matchup in Chicago. The list included actor Jason Sudeikis, Chance the Rapper, New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, Lil Durk, and WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes. Cardoso believes the intense competition between the Sky and Fever signals great things to come for the league.

“I think it’s two great teams with a whole lot of great players. Everybody’s good in their own way. I’m just really happy with the attention it’s bringing to the league. The amount of people that we were able to bring out was amazing,” Cardoso said.

Similarly, Angel Reese believes the matchups are good for the WNBA, but she also noted a key big-picture take.

“It’s good for the game. Good for women’s basketball. But also good for women’s sports,” Reese said. “You see NBA players, rappers, legends that have played in the league for a long time come out and show support. So you know everybody’s watching right now. This is one of the most important times right now and just continuing to put on. Both teams did an amazing job tonight putting on a show, and it was fun. I had a great time. Pretty sure the [Fever] had a great time.”