Mitchell Exits Game with Cramps and Rhabdomyolysis, Fever Eliminated

Kelsey Mitchell Struggles in Crucial Game: Details of the Situation

In an unexpected turn of events during Game 5 of the semi-finals against the Las Vegas Aces, Indiana Fever’s star guard, Kelsey Mitchell, was forced to leave the game in the third quarter. Mitchell experienced a “feeling of numbness/paralysis” in her legs, according to reports. Despite the absence of their star player and an initial nine-point deficit, the Fever managed to react, forcing overtime before losing with a score of 107-98 in an elimination game.

After the game, Fever coach Stephanie White revealed that Mitchell, who finished fifth in the MVP voting, suffered “a lot of cramps in her lower body” and was taken to the hospital for fluids. She was discharged on Tuesday night and will continue under the supervision of the Fever’s medical team.

On Wednesday, Mitchell shared on social media that he had experienced “numbness/paralyzing sensation without movement in my lower extremities for 5 to 7 seconds” due to rhabdomyolysis, a condition that causes the breakdown of muscle cells and the release of proteins into the bloodstream. Mitchell, thanking the fans for their support, indicated that he was already walking and expected a full recovery.

“My body locked up from a physical point of view and from there fatigue and cramps set in. Today, I am walking and moving slowly, but I will be fine very soon”.

Kelsey Mitchell

The 5’8″ player appeared to suffer cramps after a foul on her teammate Aliyah Boston. Mitchell grabbed her leg, visibly affected, before seeking support from a referee. She remained on the ground, being attended to by team staff and surrounded by her teammates, who used towels to protect her privacy. Although a stretcher was prepared, Mitchell did not use it, leaving the field with assistance after about five minutes. Mitchell was the Fever’s top scorer this season, averaging 20.2 points in the regular season and 23.3 in the playoffs. She became the second player in league history to score 100 points in her first semifinal appearance. Aces star A’ja Wilson expressed her concern for Mitchell, highlighting her great season. The situation was reminiscent of that experienced by the Fever, who suffered significant losses due to injuries, including Caitlin Clark. In addition, Damiris Dantas was unable to participate in the playoffs due to a concussion. Despite these absences, the team managed to reach sixth place, reach their first semifinals since 2015, and put the two-time champion Aces in a difficult position on their own court. Coach White highlighted the team’s ability to come together in the face of adversity. “This group has a lot of heart, it’s hard to put it into words. They are special.” In addition to Mitchell’s absence for much of the second half, Boston was eliminated by fouls with 26.4 seconds left in regulation. Jackie Young of Las Vegas made two free throws to give the Aces the lead back, but Indiana responded with a basket by Odyssey Sims and a defensive stop to force overtime. Guard Lexie Hull commented on the team’s resilience and her pride in the performance shown.