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Kamilla Cardoso · After flashing her potential across each of her WNBA career’s opening three games, Kamilla Cardoso — under the bright lights of her first-ever start — shined even brighter on June 8, 2024’s elevated stage. Seemingly more relaxed and within groove post-halftime, the No. 3 pick opens a memorable sequence, first by surviving a high-post defensive test against the Atlanta Dream’s All-Star forward. As if attached to Cheyenne Parker-Tyus’ powder-blue sleeve, Cardoso stays both connected and disciplined against a crafty spin-and-shoot attempt, defending well enough to force an errant miss and transition opportunity. With ambition and speed in her 6-foot-7 frame, Cardoso runs the floor, turning a fortuitous bounce into a putback to supplement her eight-point third quarter. No. 5 across the entire WNBA in second chance points (89) and No. 8 among centers in fast break scores (21), Cardoso’s sequence illustrated two of her most noticeable Year One traits. The Chicago Sky would lose a competitive matchup against the Atlanta Dream, though Cardoso aced her first test, contributing 13 points (on 6-of-11 shooting), five boards, and one assist. · State of Mint