Late in the third quarter on Sunday, Aces forward A’ja Wilson, a two-time WNBA MVP, was trying to go coast-to-coast. Wilson appeared to have a clear shot when she crossed halfcourt and attempted a Eurostep around guard Michaela Onyenwere.

But Sky center Kamilla Cardoso chased down Wilson, blocked her shot from behind and looked at the six-time All-Star with a smile on her face.

Cardoso was excellent defensively against Las Vegas with a career-high five blocks, along with eight points and 12 rebounds. With each game, she is getting better at cutting corners and using her physical skills in the paint.

Wilson had 20 points but was just 8 of 28 from the field, while being guarded primarily by Cardoso and All-Star forward Angel Reese, who had 11 points and 22 rebounds but shot just 4 of 16 from the field. The rookies are the linchpins around which Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca and coach Teresa Weatherspoon will build.

“Those two together, they did a great job,” guard Chennedy Carter said after the Sky’s 77-75 loss. “Angel’s down there battling, just trying to get some fouls. She had an unbelievable game, regardless of whether she got to the rim. She does the things we need her to do to be successful.”

Weatherspoon is pleased with Cardoso’s confidence and that she dares to behave more aggressively.

“Incredibly proud of her growth,” Weatherspoon said. “What she’s doing for us defensively, anchoring our defense and not allowing much in the paint … it’s awesome to see. That’s just the level of confidence she’s getting in herself.”

Onyenwere’s score

Onyenwere ran back on defense with her arms outstretched and her head up after seeing her first three-pointer go through the hoop.

This season has been a tough one for Onyenwere, who hasn’t scored in double figures since July 13. Against the Aces, he scored 15 points on 6 of 13 shooting.

“That was a sigh of relief,” Onyenwere said.

She is trying to find her feet after being placed in the starting lineup following Sky’s trade of Marina Mabrey to the Sun.

“Make sure you’re totally locked into the scheme because you’re the starting guard,” Onyenwere said of the adjustment. “A lot of guards in this league are really good, and I have assignments that are tough. It’s definitely a challenge, but I embrace it.”

Now that Onyenwere is in the starting line-up, she has the ball in her hands less often.

“A lot of my plays come off kickouts and people coming into the paint and spraying at me,” Onyenwere said. “It’s up to me to make the reads, read the defense and get open shots.”

The Sky will need her to continue to create open shots and spread the floor. Weatherspoon said Onyenwere is the Sky’s most versatile offensive player because she can play multiple positions.

“She’s doing a great job helping us grow as a team,” Weatherspoon said. “It’s good to see her confidence continue to grow. When she made that three-pointer, she looked up to the sky and thought, ‘Yeah, it finally went in,’ but that’s just the work she’s put in.”