Daijiworld Media Network – Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Oct 2: Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell has broken her silence after her frightening collapse during Game 5 of the WNBA semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces, confirming that the incident was caused by a rare medical condition called rhabdomyolysis.

The 29-year-old All-WNBA star went down midway through the third quarter of the Fever’s intense 107–98 overtime loss at Michelob Ultra Arena on Tuesday night. Fans and teammates were visibly shaken as Mitchell struggled to move her legs and had to be helped off the court by teammates, refusing to leave on a stretcher.

On Wednesday, Mitchell shared a heartfelt post on social media explaining the terrifying experience:

“I suffered from something called Rhabdomyolysis last night. My muscles stopped producing and reached their maximum capacity. I went into a sense of numbness/paralyzing feeling with no movement from my lower extremities for up to 5 to 7 seconds. I panicked because I began to think the worst when I felt I couldn’t move my legs. It was an out-of-body experience and I thank God for covering me at a time like that.”

Mitchell was immediately treated at a Las Vegas hospital and has since been released. She reassured fans that she is recovering and regaining her mobility.

“Today, on Oct. 1, I am walking and moving at a slow pace, but I will be fine very soon. I want to thank the Fever medical team, the Vegas medical team, and the staff at the local hospital for keeping me safe. In other words, I played literally till my wheels fell off, lmao,” she added.

Initially described by Fever coach Stephanie White as severe lower-body cramping, Mitchell’s disclosure clarified the true gravity of the incident.

Despite battling numerous injuries this season — including losing rookie star Caitlin Clark and five other players to season-ending setbacks — the Fever pushed the defending champions to the brink, forcing overtime in Game 5 before falling short.

WNBA stars and coaches rallied around Mitchell. Four-time MVP A’ja Wilson said, “First off, prayers for Kelsey Mitchell. That’s my draft partner and to see her go down like that was not good. I really hope the Indiana Fever continue to take care of her, because she’s a gem.” Aces coach Becky Hammon added, “Nobody wants to see anyone carried off the court like that ever.”

Mitchell closed out her postseason campaign averaging an impressive 22.3 points per game, cementing her status as one of the league’s most resilient and determined players.