An outstanding WNBA season for former Ohio State star Kelsey Mitchell ended in heartbreaking fashion on Tuesday night.
A first-team All-WNBA selection this year, Mitchell led the Indiana Fever to the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs after finishing second in the league this season with 23.3 points per game. During Tuesday’s deciding Game 5 of the Fever’s semifinal series with the Las Vegas Aces, however, Mitchell had to be helped off the court in the third quarter.
Kelsey Mitchell was helped off the court after appearing to sustain a leg injury. pic.twitter.com/44xNCLTMcY
— ESPN (@espn) October 1, 2025
While it initially appeared as though Mitchell had suffered a knee injury, Fever coach Stephanie White told reporters after the game that Mitchell was dealing with “a lot of lower-body cramping” and went to the hospital to get fluids. She was treated and released and is expected to make a full recovery.
An update on Kelsey Mitchell from the Fever, who exited Tuesday's game with lower-body cramping: She was treated and released late Tuesday night and will remain under the supervision of the Fever medical team. Mitchell is expected to make a full recovery.
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) October 1, 2025
In a social media post on Wednesday, Mitchell said she suffered from rhabdomyolysis, a condition that causes muscles to break down. While it is a serious medical condition that can be life-threatening if not detected early, Mitchell said she “will be fine very soon.”
— Kelsey Mitchell (@Kelz_Hoop) October 1, 2025
With Mitchell in the locker room, the Fever suffered a season-ending 107-98 loss to the Aces, who will play the Phoenix Mercury in this year’s WNBA Finals.
