Kelsey Mitchell’s Brave Update: Overcoming Cramping Scare in Fever’s Playoff Heartbreaker..
In a moment that sent shockwaves through the Michelob Ultra Arena, Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell collapsed to the court in the third quarter of Game 5 against the Las Vegas Aces, her body seized by a sudden numbness and paralyzing sensation that locked her lower extremities for 5 to 7 harrowing seconds. The 29-year-old All-Star, who had just drained a dagger three-pointer for 15 points, rubbed her knee in agony, leaning on a referee for support as trainers rushed to her side. Teammates from both squads draped towels over her for privacy, and a stretcher was wheeled out, heightening the tension in a do-or-die semifinal clash.
But Mitchell, the epitome of resilience, refused the cart. With assistance from staff and forward Aliyah Boston, she rose unsteadily and walked off the floor to a thunderous ovation from the crowd and heartfelt well-wishes from Aces players. The Fever, already plagued by a season of injuries—including rookie sensation Caitlin Clark’s absence—faced their biggest test yet. Down 59-55, they rallied without their MVP finalist, tying the game late in regulation behind Odyssey Sims’ 27-point heroics and Boston’s 11 points with 16 rebounds. Yet, in overtime, Las Vegas pulled away for a 107-98 victory, clinching their third Finals trip in four years against the Phoenix Mercury.
Postgame, concern mounted as Mitchell was transported to a local hospital for IV fluids, diagnosed with severe lower-body cramping exacerbated by the playoff grind. Her season-long dominance—20.2 points per game in the regular season, surging to 23.3 in the playoffs—had carried Indiana through three elimination wins, making her exit a gut punch. Aces superstar A’ja Wilson, Mitchell’s 2018 draft classmate, led the tributes: “Prayers for Kelsey. That’s my draft partner—to see her go down like that was not good. Super prayers out to her. She’s a gem, and I hope the Fever take care of her.”
On Wednesday morning, October 1, Mitchell broke her silence with a poignant social media update, her words laced with grit and grace. “I went into a sense of numbness/paralyzing feeling with no movement from my lower extremities for up to 5 to 7 seconds,” she shared, detailing the terrifying episode. Yet, true to form, she pivoted to positivity: “I am walking and moving at a slow pace, but I will be fine very soon.” Accompanied by a 🙏 emoji, her message radiated optimism, thanking fans for their outpouring of support and affirming her unbreakable spirit.
Fever coach Stephanie White echoed the relief: “Kelsey’s toughness is unmatched. She’s getting the care she needs, and we’ll rally around her.” For a franchise that defied odds to reach the semis for the first time in a decade, Mitchell’s journey—from breakout star to inspirational leader—leaves an indelible mark. As the WNBA offseason dawns, all eyes turn to her swift recovery, with whispers of an even brighter 2026. In basketball’s unforgiving arena, Mitchell’s not just surviving; she’s soaring.
