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Kamilla Cardoso · The highly-anticipated debut of Kamilla Cardoso may have come with a brief delay; though, as the box score and highlight reel would ultimately confirm just moments into her debut, the impact would arrive with express shipping. Having already introduced herself to the statsheet with a rebound mere seconds after checking in, the 2024 No. 3 pick locks in on the offensive end, challenging the Indiana Fever’s defense with a pick-and-roll and a perfectly-timed leap to snag a high-point pass in the heart of the paint. Needing a powerful take with both former South Carolina teammate Aliyah Boston and national championship foe Caitlin Clark closely behind, Cardoso elevates forcefully, crossing off her first-ever WNBA score with a familiar, off-the-glass finish. The winning plays that ultimately championed Cardoso at the collegiate stage were on full showcase despite the one-point defeat on June 1, 2024. Blending her consistency, rim protection, and cohesion with her teammates into an ideal mix, Cardoso — even while admittedly “stressed” beforehand — announced her emergence in the form of 11 points (on five-of-seven shooting), six rebounds, and a +11 plus-minus in 18 minutes. · State of Mint