“That isn’t expected this year,” Michael Voepel wrote in the beginning of May in regard to the Chicago Sky playoff odds. Many other sports media outlets had the Chicago Sky ranked dead last, Angel Reese put it best when asked about that ranking a few weeks later, “So, it gives us a lot of motivation because our team knows who we are, and being a new team, new coaching staff, I think we’re going to come together and surprise a lot of people.”
So far, the Sky have surprised a lot of people, off to a 3-4 start, their wins being against the Dallas Wings, New York Liberty, and Los Angeles Sparks but it’s not the number of wins and losses the Sky have so far, it’s the toughness the team has shown in every single game so far. What’s more impressive is how well the Sky have played without some key players like Isabelle Harrison and Kamilia Cardoso. Now, after the game against the Indiana Fever, we have seen Kamilia Cardoso in action and already from her debut she elevates this team.
In-Depth Player Analysis
Right now, the Sky are ranked seventh in rebounding, with Angel Reese being ranked ninth in rebounding currently. With the return of Harrison and the debut of Cardoso, Reese will have some more help, as gaining a 6 ‘7 center in Cardoso will improve the numbers. With Harrison and Cardoso, not only will they help the rebound numbers, but also in shooting. As Cardoso is a high percentage shooter in the post, which for a Sky team that is shooting a field goal percentage of 42.1, this will certainly help advance the Sky who are ranked second in scoring points in the paint. Right now, the Sky are one of the worst teams for opponents points in the paint, this fills a hole the Sky are looking for with Cardoso as she can help a rotation with bigger lineups as the Sky use with Reese and Elizabeth Williams. Fast forward to the debut of Kamilia Cardoso, she had 11 points, six rebounds, she faced a good challenge in her debut against Aliyah Boston, and it’s incredible to see her height advantage in the paint leading to buckets. Cardoso’s offensive efficiency in her debut alone shows how good the Sky’s offense could be, especially in the paint. Even with a few tough losses the Sky are in good hands with Teresa Weatherspoon.
Coaching
Part of the reason the Chicago Sky will make the playoffs is the coaching. Teresa Weatherspoon has shown how poised of a coach she is. As a former player, Weatherspoon knows how the game works inside out, her experience brings a great leadership mentality to her players, especially the rookies. A lot of people got to experience her coaching on a quick 20 second interview during the Fever game, as ESPN was doing their annual coach mic during the game. After the loss against the Fever, Weatherspoon preached about players having opportunities to make plays, execute plays, being motivated, and getting the job done. For being in her first year with the Sky as the head coach, Teresa Weatherspoon has already made a huge impact on these ladies. For a team who had only three players return from the 2023 roster, this team has meshed together fairly well, which credit must be given for how well this team is playing right out of the gate.
Keys To Continue Winning
In each of the Sky’s wins, the Sky have won the number of points in the paint, fast break points, and committed the least number of turnovers. With Cardoso bringing immediate production in the paint, this only boosts the Sky’s elite scoring in the paint odds, as well as second chance points. With a starting five consisting of the consistent play of Marina Mabrey and Elizabeth Williams, the Sky really can lean on the rest of their playmakers to step up and win games. This is where Cardoso plays a vital role as we saw in the Fever game, Williams was not as productive, and Cardoso made the most of the minutes she got when she substituted for Williams. The Sky have solid depth for rotations which is also why the Sky can’t be overlooked if starters aren’t having the best game.
The Sky have a very talented roster, with two remarkable rookies making immediate impacts as well. There is no reason why the Sky can’t make the playoffs. They have gone toe to toe with the Connecticut Sun and New York Liberty so far. They may have a young roster, but they also have some experienced veterans and a well-rounded head coach. The Chicago Sky are already proving people wrong, they do not look like the 12th ranked team in the WNBA, and each game they seem to be getting better and better. It’s time for Chicago Sky fans to really be excited for where this team can go, and that could be the playoffs in 2024.