The Chicago Sky started their 2024 WNBA season with an intense preseason matchup against the Minnesota Lynx. Chicago fell 92-81 in a game that saw Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso make their professional debuts. Both stars had solid showings and left plenty of room to grow.

Chicago started their 2024 WNBA preseason campaign after a respectable 2023 season. The Sky are coming off an 18-22 year where they earned the eighth seed in the WNBA Playoffs. Of course, without many of their prior contributors, Chicago was swept 2-0 by the eventual reigning champion Las Vegas Aces.

Now, the Sky have a revamped squad headlined by Reese, Cardoso, and some stout returning pieces. Fans got a glimpse of the rookies' abilities Friday night, and while their performances were not eye-popping, they were promising.

Sky get solid two-way taste of Reese and Cardoso against Lynx

Angel Reese looked fair on both sides of the ball. She amassed 13 points, a team-high nine rebounds, two steals, and one block. More impressively, Reese shot 90 percent on her free throws (9 for 10). Admittedly, it was challenging for the rookie forward to score at an efficient clip. She went just two for eight from the field. Still, Reese's production in 24 minutes left a good taste in Chicago's mouth.

On the topic of time, Kamilla Cardoso only saw 13 minutes of action against the Lynx. She made three of her five field goals, scoring six points to go with four boards. Like Reese, Cardoso put forth an earnest defensive effort and did it with less playing time. The South Carolina product notched two blocks and one steal on the night.

Cardoso and Reese's defensive efforts are an exciting sign for the Sky, who need all the help they can get to resist the league's talented offenses. The two rookies were not the only ones with promising performances Friday night.

Lindsay Allen led Chicago with 17 points against her former team. She also dished three assists and went eight for eight from the free-throw line. Allen joined the Sky during the free agency period after two seasons with the Lynx. She looks to be a serviceable offensive option alongside Dana Evans and Marina Mabrey, who totaled 13 and seven points respectively on Friday.

Sky will massively benefit from Reese and Cardoso's interior presence during 2024 WNBA season

Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso could not get their offense going as well as some of their teammates on Friday. However, their efforts in the paint will pay huge dividends for Chicago. The moment the two rookies get warmed up, teams will look to protect their interior more. In turn, this creates opportunities for Reese and Cardoso to kick out to the Sky's three-point shooters.

While many of Chicago's shooters struggled from three on Friday night, except for Dana Evans (two for five) and Lindsay Allen (one for one), the team can support Reese and Cardoso with a serviceable deep-range attack. One of Chicago's X factors from beyond the arc will be rookie guard Brynna Maxwell.

Maxwell shot a blazing 44.0 percent on three-pointers during her senior season at Gonzaga. If she can find a consistent role on the team and continue her efficiency, she will help the Sky maintain a well-rounded offense.

All in all, Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso must keep working to get accumulated to WNBA play. Once they find their groove, the Sky is the limit (pun intended).