A’ja Wilson is greeted by Aces teammates during player introductions before a game against the Sun at Michelob ULTRA Arena on June 21, 2024 in Las Vegas. Chicago Sky rookies Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese learned that lesson the hard way Thursday when they faced off against their idol A’ja Wilson for the first time in a 95-83 loss to the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces.
One of the first WNBA games Reese attended as a fan was an Aces game in Las Vegas during Wilson’s rookie year.In the six years since, Reese has modeled pieces of her own playing style after Wilson. And Cardoso looked up to the former Gamecocks star as she came up through the program under coach Dawn Staley.
From the opening whistle, it was clear the rookies would have their hands full with the two-time league MVP. Reese picked up three fouls in the first half; Cardoso didn’t score until the third quarter. The learning experience wasn’t fruitless for either rookie. Cardoso found some comfort in second-chance scoring in the second half, picking up a block and a pair of offensive rebounds. AndChicago Sky rookie Angel Reese is on track to be a WNBA All-Star — and she’s chasing a Candace Parker record on the way