Indiana Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell Overcomes Rhabdomyolysis Scare: A Warrior’s Resilience..
In a heart-stopping moment during Game 5 of the WNBA semifinals on September 30, 2025, Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell collapsed on the court against the Las Vegas Aces, sending shockwaves through the arena. The 29-year-old All-Star, who had been torching defenses all playoffs with her sharpshooting, suddenly experienced a “paralyzing feeling” in her lower extremities, leaving her numb and immobile for several agonizing seconds.
Teammates and medical staff rushed to her side, draping towels for privacy as a stretcher was prepared—though the tough-as-nails Mitchell refused it, hobbling to the locker room with
Diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis—a rare, potentially life-threatening condition where muscle tissue breaks down rapidly due to extreme exertion, releasing harmful proteins into the bloodstream—Mitchell was rushed to a Las Vegas hospital for IV fluids and monitoring. Often triggered by overtraining without adequate rest, the injury struck after Mitchell poured in 15 points, embodying her season-long grit amid a battered Fever roster plagued by injuries to stars like Caitlin Clark. Despite her absence, Indiana rallied to force overtime but fell 107-98, ending their improbable playoff run.
On October 1, Mitchell broke her silence via social media, sharing her diagnosis with raw vulnerability: “My muscles stopped producing and reached its maximum capacity… I played literally til my wheels fell off. Yet, her update radiated optimism: “Today, I am walking and moving at a slow pace, but I will be fine very soon. The Fever confirmed she was released overnight and is under their medical team’s care, expecting a full recovery with possible lingering weakness for weeks.
A’ja Wilson, Mitchell’s draft classmate, led the tributes: “She’s a gem… Super prayers out to her.” Mitchell’s 2025 campaign—averaging 20.2 points—proved her mettle, propelling Indiana to the semis for the first time in franchise history. As she heals, fans celebrate her unbreakable spirit, eager for her return to light up Gainbridge Fieldhouse. In her words, “Thank God for covering me The Fever Nation stands united: KelzHoop forever.
