Chicago Sky coach Tyler Marsh has long expressed frustration over what he sees as an insufficient number of foul calls awarded to his leading scorer, Kamilla Cardoso. On Thursday night, Cardoso received a season-high 11 free throws in the Sky’s 94-88 victory over the Connecticut Sun, converting those opportunities into a game-high 26 points. The performance provided Marsh with renewed fuel to argue that Cardoso should be getting to the line more frequently.
Marsh contends that Cardoso, a 6-foot-7 center who takes most of her shots in the paint, faces significant physical resistance that often goes uncalled as fouls. “I can make a case that she should shoot close to 11 free throws every game,” Marsh said after the game. “For someone who shoots the majority of shots in the paint, there’s just physically very little resistance you can give without fouling her. She’s just that forceful.” He added that the film review supports his view that many foul calls against Cardoso are missed.
The game against Connecticut saw a notably different approach from Cardoso, who scored 18 points in the fourth quarter alone, including nine trips to the free-throw line in that final period. The center attributed her higher free-throw count to increased aggression and said the officials were finally awarding her the calls. Statistically, Cardoso averages 4.1 free throws per game, which ranks 20th in the league, despite taking 9.2 shots per game in the paint—eighth most among WNBA players.
Throughout the season, the Sky have submitted video clips to the league office highlighting what they view as missed foul calls involving Cardoso, but the responses have been limited. An earlier report noted the league did acknowledge some officiating errors late in a previous game against the Wings, including a crucial foul call that led to Cardoso fouling out.
The issue of inconsistent officiating has troubled the WNBA over the past two seasons. Following extensive criticism by players and coaches, the league instituted a task force composed of coaches and general managers aimed at improving consistency and tightening enforcement of illegal contact to protect players’ freedom of movement. While some improvement has been noted, calls remain controversial, prompting plans for an off-site replay center next season to help ensure more objective decision-making.
Meanwhile, the Sky must contend with the fouls they do receive—and commit. Cardoso currently averages 3.6 fouls per game, ranking third highest in the league. Marsh emphasized the need for his center to reduce unnecessary fouls, especially those occurring away from the basket, which have been a recurring concern since her arrival in the league. The team’s offense heavily depends on Cardoso’s presence on the floor, and extended absences due to foul trouble hinder their competitiveness, particularly against high-caliber opponents like the Las Vegas Aces.
As the WNBA continues efforts to improve officiating standards, Marsh is expected to remain vocal in advocating for calls in favor of his star player. At the same time, Cardoso faces the challenge of adapting to officiating trends by managing her fouls and maximizing her impact during her time on the court.