The Mexican Gabriela Jáquez had a promising premiere in the WNBA after participating decisively in Chicago Sky's 98-83 victory over Portland Fire, debuting franchise in the 2026 season.

The 22 year-old player, selected with the overall number-five of the recent WNBA Draft, contributed 10 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals in her first official game with the Chicago organization.

In addition to her offensive numbers, the UCLA graduate stood out for her maturity on the court and for playing 32 minutes, the most among all the rookies during the opening day.

Gabriela Jáquez responds with personality in her WNBA debut

The absence of veteran Natasha Cloud due to illness forced coach Tyler Marsh to modify Chicago Sky's rotation, a situation that opened the door for Gabriela Jáquez to assume an important role from the start.

The Mexican responded with an efficient performance and without turnovers of the ball, a fact that caught attention considering the intensity of her professional debut.

Jáquez finished the game with 75 percent effectiveness from the free throw line and hit the only 3-pointer he attempted during the game.

Its impact came in one of the more delicate moments of the match. After Portland Fire closed the difference with a On 11-0 streak in the third quarter, the Mexican responded with five consecutive points that returned control to Chicago.

First he attacked the rim after an assist from Kamilla Cardoso and later connected a long distance 3-pointer after a pass from Rickea Jackson.

Chicago Sky had a balanced attack against Portland Fire

Chicago Sky's victory was built thanks to a collective offensive in which six players finished with double digit points.

The Brazilian Kamilla Cardoso led the team with 22 points and 14 rebounds, while Skylar Diggins signed a double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds, in addition to distributing seven assists.

The presence of Gabriela Jáquez in the starting lineup was also important in the defensive aspect and in control of rebounds. Chicago dominated that category with a strong margin of 46-24.

The Mexican helped with two steals and was part of the defensive scheme that limited Portland to 40.8 percent effectiveness in field shots.

Gabriela Jáquez aims to consolidate in Chicago Sky

The premiere of Gabriela Jáquez left good feelings within Chicago Sky, a franchise that's betting on young talent to compete in the 2026 season of the WNBA.

The Mexican showed the ability to play without monopolizing the ball, opening spaces in attack and responding in moments of pressure, qualities that could quickly turn her into an important piece in Tyler Marsh's system.

After starting the campaign with a 1-0 record, Chicago will continue on its visitor tour, facing Golden State Valkyries and Phoenix Mercury, with the expectation It's about maintaining the good start to the season and continuing to promote the growth of the Mexican basketball player in the most important professional league in the world.