The Chicago Sky’s playoff prospects hang in the balance after a recent 93-88 loss to the Phoenix Mercury, bringing tension to the locker room. With only two games left in the season, the team is feeling the pressure. However, what stirred the most discussion following the game was a surprising decision made by head coach Teresa Weatherspoon. She benched Kamilla Cardoso, a key player, for the entire second half, prompting many to question the reasoning behind it.
Following the game at Wintrust Arena, Weatherspoon faced a series of questions in the post-game press conference. The most pressing inquiry focused on her choice to bench Cardoso. Addressing this, Weatherspoon stated, “Yes. Her health is more important to me than anything. And when we spoke, that’s what she was feeling. It’s more important to make sure that she’s healthy.” This explanation highlighted the coach’s concern for Cardoso’s well-being over short-term game results.
Cardoso, a rookie for the Sky, had been included in the starting lineup against the Mercury but played only nine minutes in the first half. During her brief appearance, she managed to score two points, collect three rebounds, and block two shots. After that, she remained on the bench for the remainder of the game. The decision to limit her minutes was primarily driven by a precautionary approach, especially considering the Sky’s current situation. With another key rookie, Angel Reese, already sidelined due to a wrist injury sustained against the Los Angeles Sparks, losing Cardoso could severely harm the Sky’s chances of making the playoffs.
Concerns about Cardoso’s health were not new. Although she had delivered a strong performance against the Minnesota Lynx, recording 16 points and 10 rebounds, rumors of injury began circulating shortly afterward. The lack of an official injury report left many puzzled, assuming she was healthy. However, subsequent reports indicated that Cardoso might not be at full strength. The WNBA news outlet “The Underdog WNBA” posted an update on X (formerly known as Twitter), stating that Cardoso was questionable for Sunday due to a shoulder injury. This revelation suggested that she had been dealing with shoulder discomfort for some time.
Given Cardoso’s recent surge in performance and her importance to the team—particularly in light of Reese’s absence—Weatherspoon’s decision to rest her took on added significance. Cardoso has been crucial in the team’s rebounding efforts, averaging 8.1 rebounds per game, placing her just behind Reese. With the Sky’s playoff hopes still alive, the team could not afford to take further risks with their players’ health. As they gear up for a crucial game against the Atlanta Dream, a playoff rival, the team hopes that Cardoso will recover in time.
The decision to limit Cardoso’s play reflects a strategic approach by the Sky, placing the long-term health of their players over the immediate game outcome. Coach Weatherspoon’s stance underscores the importance of prioritizing player welfare in professional sports, especially during a high-stakes playoff race. With Reese already sidelined, the team is left to navigate the final games of the season with Cardoso’s health in the balance.
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