Kamilla Cardoso Sets WNBA Record with 13-For-13 Field Goal Performance

Cardoso’s Perfect Night: A WNBA Record in the Making

Kamilla Cardoso didn’t just have a good game on Wednesday night—she rewrote the WNBA record books. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Cardoso became the first player in league history to go 13-for-13 from the field in a single game, scoring 30 points and pulling down eight rebounds in the process. The stat isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a statement about the Sky’s offensive transformation under coach Tyler Marsh, who described the performance as “one of the best games I’ve seen from her.”

The record-breaking night wasn’t just about Cardoso, though. The Sky’s bench contributed in a way that hasn’t been seen all season, with six players scoring in double figures and seven of the 10 players who checked in shooting better than 50%. The team’s efficiency was so stark that they fell just one point short of the WNBA’s all-time record for most points scored in regulation—a mark that now feels within reach.

She was back tonight like she never left.

The Sky’s offensive resurgence aligns with Vandersloot’s return from a torn ACL suffered early last season. Her first game back saw her immediately reclaim her “Floor General” nickname, with Marsh noting her ability to dictate the pace and call plays with authority. Vandersloot herself framed the moment as a turning point: “This was a really good one for us, a really good momentum-shifter. I think we know our identity and can build off this.”

The timing couldn’t be better. After a rough stretch that included a 30-point loss to the Connecticut Sun, the Sky have now won two straight games and are looking more like the team that dominated last season. The question now is whether this offensive explosion can carry over into their next game—a Sunday showdown against the second-place Aces, where the stakes will be far higher.

Vandersloot’s Return: The Catalyst for a Turnaround

Vandersloot’s return wasn’t just physical—it was psychological. The Sun-Times reported that her presence on the court shifted the entire team’s energy, with Marsh describing her as “back in her happy place” within 15 seconds of tip-off. Her first play of the game—a no-look lob to Cardoso—set the tone for a night where the Sky’s offense finally clicked.

The data backs it up. Before Vandersloot’s injury, the Sky were averaging just 88 points per game, ranking near the bottom of the league in offensive efficiency. Since her return, that number has jumped to 102 points per game—a 16-point increase in just two games. The difference isn’t just in the score; it’s in the rhythm. Vandersloot’s ability to push the ball, create space for shooters, and demand precision from her teammates has been the missing ingredient.

Marsh, who has managed a team plagued by injuries and inconsistency this season, called Vandersloot’s return “a gift.” The coach’s relief is palpable in his words: “We have a lot of good weapons, and when we play to their strengths, then these kinds of nights can happen.” The challenge now is sustaining that level of play against tougher competition.

What Comes Next: Can the Sky Keep the Momentum?

The Sky’s next test arrives Sunday against the Aces, a team that has been the league’s most consistent offensive force this season. While the Fire proved to be a weak opponent—one the Sky have now beaten three times this year—the Aces are a different story. They’re currently second in the league in scoring and have a depth of talent that could test even the Sky’s newly found offensive identity.

Logistical questions remain about how the Sky will deploy their three-point guard lineups moving forward. With Vandersloot back, the team now has multiple options to run the offense, but finding the right balance will be key. Marsh has emphasized the need for “fast, selfless” play, and Vandersloot echoed that philosophy, stressing that “the open player gets the ball.” If the Sky can maintain that discipline, they could be looking at a sustained turnaround.

But the bigger question is whether this performance was a fluke or the start of something bigger. The Sky have been a defensive powerhouse this season, but their offense has been a work in progress. If they can combine Vandersloot’s leadership with Cardoso’s elite shooting and the contributions of their bench, they could quickly climb the standings. The Aces game will be the first real test of whether this is a one-game miracle or the beginning of a resurgence.

The Fire’s Struggles: A Team in Transition

While the Sky celebrated, the Portland Fire left Chicago with questions. According to CBS Sports’ game tracker, the Fire shot just 35% from the field and were outscored by 30 points in a game where they never found their rhythm. Key players like Azura Stevens, who went 2-for-10 from three-point range, struggled to find consistency, while Megan Gustafson—who started the game strong with a three-pointer—ended up with just 12 points on 4-for-14 shooting.

The Fire’s struggles extend beyond Wednesday night. They’ve lost three of their last four games and are now 10-13 on the season, sitting in the middle of the Western Conference standings. Their defense has been solid, but their offense has been a liability, and the lack of scoring options has been a recurring issue. With the Sky now on a roll and the Aces looming, the Fire’s next steps will be critical. Do they make a trade to bolster their offense, or do they double down on their defensive identity?

One thing is clear: the Fire’s frontcourt will need to step up if they want to compete with the Sky’s newfound offensive firepower. Stevens and Gustafson are both capable scorers, but they’ll need to find a way to get more from their teammates—or risk falling further behind.

Why This Matters: A Turning Point for the Sky

The Sky’s performance on Wednesday wasn’t just about setting records—it was about proving that change is possible, even in the middle of a season. For a team that has struggled with injuries, inconsistency, and a lack of offensive identity, Vandersloot’s return and Cardoso’s record-breaking night provided the spark they needed.

Marsh has been open about the challenges this season, and the coach’s reaction to the game was one of cautious optimism. “I want to play fast, selfless,” Vandersloot said, capturing the philosophy that has driven the Sky’s resurgence. The question now is whether they can maintain that intensity against the Aces and beyond. If they can, they might just be looking at a playoff push—one that could redefine their season.

For the Fire, meanwhile, the loss is a wake-up call. They’ve been a competitive team on defense, but their offense has been a weakness, and Wednesday’s game exposed just how much they rely on a few key players to score. If they don’t find a way to get more from their bench, they could be in for a long summer.

The WNBA season is far from over, and the Sky’s next game will be the first real test of whether this was a one-night stand or the start of something bigger. One thing is certain: the league just saw a night that will be remembered for years to come.

The Sky’s next game against the Aces is set for Sunday, June 29, 2026, at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. The game will air on ESPN2 at 7:00 PM ET.

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