Somehow, the Chicago Sky keeps finding new ways to make headlines with the word ‘shoe.’ First, it was Angel Reese setting the internet on fire with her Reebok player exclusive drop on Wednesday. The buzz was real, and the sneaker world took notice. Now, Kamilla Cardoso has added to the footwear frenzy. Well, not quite the same kind, but one that’s still totally worth the appreciation. 

Monday marked the Sky’s second meeting with the Minnesota Lynx. And sure, we all remember the last time – Reese and Cardoso combined for 26 points and 36 rebounds, Ariel Atkins dropped a career-high 27, and Chicago stunned the league-best Lynx. But this time, Minnesota came in fired up for revenge. Cardoso finished with 6 points and 7 rebounds, and even though the scoreboard didn’t reflect it, her effort was all heart.

One particular moment in the fourth quarter had everyone watching and laughing. Cardoso lost her shoe mid-play, nearly tripped, but still managed to get a shot off while triple-teamed. She didn’t make it, but the hustle was undeniable. Why? Because she didn’t stop there.  Then she grabbed her shoe back from the mop guy under the basket, sprinted back on defense with one shoe on and one in hand, and casually tossed it toward the bench before a foul was called elsewhere. Even the broadcasters couldn’t help but love it.

“Cardoso lost a shoe,” one said. “She was tracking back with one shoe in hand and one shoe on the foot… She was trying, she was working hard. She’s posting up, posting up right out of her shoe. Rocking that A1 A’ja shoe. And almost scored, almost got a bucket.” Yes, she was wearing fellow Gamecock A’ja Wilson’s signature sneakers.

But this isn’t the first “no shoe, no problem” moment we’ve seen in the W lately. Just days ago, Rhyne Howard scored and defended in a game vs the Valkyries, also while missing a shoe. This Cardoso moment is the latest addition to the long (and hilarious) legacy of WNBA shoe moments.

Unfortunately for Chicago, the result wasn’t quite as fun. They fell to Minnesota, 91–78. Reese, along with some flashy dimes, recorded her ninth straight double-double (22 pts, 10 boards), Rachel Banham added 15, and Rebecca Allen chipped in 10 off the bench. The Sky shot 43.8% from three, but Minnesota’s strong performance from their top three scorers proved too much. Napheesa Collier, Courtney Williams, and Kayla McBride combined for 64 points.

However, between the scoreboard and highlights, the Sky might’ve lost more than just a game this time.

Chicago Sky’s injury woes pile up in loss to Lynx

The Sky didn’t just lose the game on Monday; they took two tough hits on the injury front, too. And for a team already struggling with guard depth, that’s not a great sign moving forward. Just before halftime, Ariel Atkins, who had only 2 points in 15 minutes, drove hard to the wing with Courtney Williams defending. 

As she went up, something looked off. She winced in pain mid-air, and moments later, she was walking toward the locker room. The team later announced that Atkins would not return due to a leg injury. It’s a major blow. Atkins entered the game as the Sky’s leading scorer, averaging 14.5 points on 42.6% shooting and 35.9% from three. 

Head coach Tyler Marsh confirmed postgame that she’s still being evaluated. So, all eyes are now on her status going forward. But it wasn’t just her. With under three minutes left in the game, Kamilla Cardoso collided with teammate Michaela Onyenwere while trying to set a screen. Michaela went down hard and stayed on the floor, with teammates immediately rushing to her side. Thankfully, postgame, coach T confirmed, “I think Michaela (Onyenwere) is fine- no concussion or anything.”

Now, the Sky sits at 7–14 on the season, tied with the Sparks for the WNBA’s 10th seed. They’re 4–5 at home, 3–9 on the road, and just 1–8 against conference opponents. Their average point differential is -6.9. It’s been an uphill battle, and this week had both highs and lows. With Ariel Atkins’ health still uncertain, Chicago fans are holding their breath. Let’s hope this setback doesn’t turn into something long-term.