Angel Reese celebrated Kamilla Cardoso’s strong layup by doing LeBron James’ “power shrug.” [photo: @angelreese5/IG, @kamilla_cardoso/IG]

Without Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky expect their other rookie, Kamilla Cardoso, to have a bigger and more prominent role for the team. Reese, who suffered a season-ending wrist injury, was on the sidelines, loudly playing cheerleader during their game against the Dallas Wings on Sunday.

Whether it was Cardoso, Chennedy Carter, or any of her teammates, the “Chi Barbie,” showed infectious support.

Late in the first quarter, Cardoso received a nifty pass from Carter deep in the paint. The Brazilian pumped and dribbled once before going up for a strong finish off the board. She converted a layup against Dallas’ 6-foot-7 center Teaira McCowan.

Angel Reese couldn’t hold back her delight following Kamilla Cardoso’s emphatic finish and reacted:

Cardoso promptly ran to the other end of the floor after her strong finish. Reese celebrated for her, busting out LeBron James’ legendary shoulder shrug. The LA Lakers superstar often uses that move after overcoming tough defense to score.

The former South Carolina star finished the game with 10 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. She also anchored a defense that limited Dallas to 40.5% shooting, including 20.0% from deep. The Sky cruised to a 92-77 victory after leading by as many as 26 points.

Cardoso promptly ran to the other end of the floor after her strong finish. Reese celebrated for her, busting out LeBron James’ legendary shoulder shrug. The LA Lakers superstar often uses that move after overcoming tough defense to score.

The former South Carolina star finished the game with 10 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. She also anchored a defense that limited Dallas to 40.5% shooting, including 20.0% from deep. The Sky cruised to a 92-77 victory after leading by as many as 26 points.

Kamilla Cardoso and Isabelle Harrison picked up the rebounding cudgels without Angel Reese

The Chicago Sky needed the frontline, led by Kamilla Cardoso, to pick up the slack in rebounding without Angel Reese. To win against Dallas, Chicago had to at least be competitive in that category minus the WNBA’s leading rebounder. Cardoso and Isabelle Harrison answered the bell.

Cardoso, averaging 7.9 rebounds per game this season, hauled down 11. Harrison contributed with nine, six more than what she has been averaging. Together they combined for 31 points, 20 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks. The Sky will not be overwhelmed in the paint if the two can keep up this kind of output.

Kamilla Cardoso and Isabelle Harrison battled all night to keep the Wings from dominating the glass. Dallas’ imposing frontline, led by two 6-foot-7 centers, was held in check behind the Cardoso-Turner partnership. They also helped slow down the dynamic play of forwards Natasha Howard and Satou Sabally.

The Chicago Sky’s first win of the season without Angel Reese was a big one. They improved their record to 13-22 and moved one game ahead of the Atlanta Dream (12-23) for the eighth and final playoff spot.

The Sky can’t afford to relax, though, as there are still five games remaining. Kamilla Cardoso and Co. still have games against the Washington Mystics (11-24) and the Dream. Chicago also has to deal with the Minnesota Lynx and Connecticut Sun, two teams battling for the No. 2 seed in the playoffs.

Chicago’s playoff aspirations will not be easy without Angel Reese. They might be able to fend off their pursuers if Cardoso and Turner can sustain their outputs.

The Sky can’t afford to relax, though, as there are still five games remaining. Kamilla Cardoso and Co. still have games against the Washington Mystics (11-24) and the Dream. Chicago also has to deal with the Minnesota Lynx and Connecticut Sun, two teams battling for the No. 2 seed in the playoffs.

Chicago’s playoff aspirations will not be easy without Angel Reese. They might be able to fend off their pursuers if Cardoso and Turner can sustain their outputs.