Indiana Fever Postpones Exit Interviews Amid Kelsey Mitchell’s Rhabdomyolysis Diagnosis..
The Indiana Fever’s scheduled exit interviews were abruptly canceled today, just days after star guard Kelsey Mitchell’s harrowing hospitalization for rhabdomyolysis during the team’s playoff elimination game. The decision prioritizes Mitchell’s recovery and team well-being following a season that saw the Fever surge into WNBA contention, only to fall short in overtime to the Las Vegas Aces.
The incident unfolded in Game 5 of the semifinals on September 30 in Las Vegas. Mitchell, the Fever’s leading scorer at 20.2 points per game and a fifth-place MVP finisher, collapsed midway through the third quarter, wracked by “extreme lower-body cramping” that escalated into full numbness and paralysis in her legs for 5-7 seconds.
Diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis—a rare, potentially life-threatening condition where overexerted muscles break down, releasing proteins into the bloodstream that can damage kidneys—Mitchell was rushed to a local hospital for IV fluids.
She was released late that night but remained under close medical supervision during the team’s flight home.
In a candid Instagram post on October 1, the 29-year-old Mitchell detailed her ordeal: “My muscles stopped producing and reached their maximum capacity… I played literally til my wheels fell off.” She expressed gratitude to the Fever and Aces medical staffs, noting she was walking slowly by Wednesday but needed rest for full recovery. Experts link the condition to intense physical stress, dehydration, or overtraining, sparking fan discussions on Reddit about athlete safety in high-stakes play.
Fever coach Stephanie White called Mitchell’s season “phenomenal,” highlighting her 23.3 playoff average and historic 100-point semifinal debut. Teammates like Lexie Hull praised the group’s resilience, rallying from a tie to force overtime despite the loss. A’ja Wilson, the Aces’ MVP, echoed hopes for Mitchell’s swift return.
The postponement allows the roster—buoyed by rookies like Caitlin Clark—to process the campaign privately. No reschedule date is set, but the Fever emphasized mental health support. Mitchell’s scare underscores the WNBA’s grueling demands, yet her grit embodies the league’s rising stars. As one fan posted, “She’s a warrior—get well soon.” The Fever’s 2025 run, from rebuild to playoffs, cements their momentum heading into offseason preparations.
