Indiana Fever star Kelsey Mitchell stunned fans and teammates alike when she collapsed with severe cramping during the third quarter of Tuesday’s Game 5 semifinal against the Las Vegas Aces, abruptly ending her night and the Fever’s playoff run. But the real shock came after the game, as Mitchell revealed she had suffered a rare and dangerous condition called rhabdomyolysis—a medical emergency that left her temporarily unable to move her legs.
A Playoff Run Cut Short
The Fever, already battered by injuries to key players including Caitlin Clark, saw their hopes dashed as Mitchell—who had been averaging over 20 points per game in the postseason—went down in visible pain. After a foul on teammate Aliyah Boston, Mitchell grabbed her leg and was quickly surrounded by medical staff. A stretcher was brought out, but she managed to leave the court with assistance after several tense minutes.
Inside Mitchell’s Medical Emergency
On Wednesday, Mitchell took to social media to explain what happened. She wrote candidly about the terrifying experience:
“I suffered from something called Rhabdomyolysis last night. My muscles stopped producing and reached its maximum capacity. I went into a sense of numbness/paralyzing feeling with no movement from my lower extremities for up to 5 to 7 seconds. Because my muscles stopped producing positive blood to my bloodstream, my body locked up from a physical standpoint and from there fatigue and cramping settled in. It sucked. I panicked because I began to think the worst when I felt like I couldn’t move my legs. It was an out of body experience for me and I thank God for covering me at a time like that.”Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition where muscle tissue breaks down rapidly, releasing proteins and electrolytes into the blood that can damage the heart and kidneys. It’s rare in professional sports, making Mitchell’s ordeal all the more alarming.
Recovery and Resilience
Mitchell was taken to a local hospital in Las Vegas, where she was treated and released the same night. By October 1, she reported she was “walking and moving at a slow pace, but I will be fine very soon.” She thanked the Fever and Aces medical teams, as well as hospital staff, for their quick action.
Despite the heartbreaking overtime loss to the Aces and missing out on the WNBA Finals, Mitchell’s leadership and resilience were a bright spot in a season marred by injuries. She not only led the Fever in scoring but also made her third consecutive All-Star appearance, helping the team reach the semifinals against the odds.
What’s Next for Mitchell and the Fever?
While the Fever’s season ended in disappointment, Mitchell’s prognosis is positive. She is expected to make a full recovery and return to the court next season. Her experience, however, serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll elite athletes endure—and the importance of rapid medical intervention.
As Mitchell herself put it, “I played literally til my wheels fell off, lmao.” Her grit and transparency have inspired fans and teammates, and all eyes will be on her comeback in 2026.
Sources
1. Mitchell exits with cramping as Fever's run ends
2. Fever Guard Kelsey Mitchell… - Sports Illustrated - inkl
3. What happened to Kelsey Mitchell? Fever explain her injury in season-ending loss to Aces
4. Fever's Bittersweet Ending, Kelsey Mitchell SCARY Injury ... - YouTube
5. Kelsey Mitchell - Indiana Fever Guard - ESPN
