What happened to Kelsey Mitchell? Indiana Fever star’s injury shakes WNBA semifinals
Indiana Fever star guard Kelsey Mitchell was forced to leave Tuesday night’s WNBA semifinals Game 5 against the Las Vegas Aces after suffering severe leg cramps midway through the third quarter. What started as a tight battle quickly turned into an emotional blow for the Fever, who ultimately fell 107-98 in overtime, ending their playoff run.
Mitchell, who finished fifth in MVP voting this season, collapsed in visible discomfort after a foul on teammate Aliyah Boston. The 5-foot-8 guard grabbed her leg and leaned on an official before dropping to the floor, where trainers and teammates rushed to her side. Towels were held up to shield the scene, and although a stretcher was brought out, Mitchell declined to use it, exiting the floor with support after about five minutes.
Postgame, coach Stephanie White confirmed Mitchell experienced “a lot of lower-body cramping” and was taken to a hospital for fluids.
Despite losing their leading scorer — who averaged 20.2 points in the regular season and an impressive 23.3 in the playoffs — Indiana clawed its way back from a nine-point deficit, tying the game late in regulation. Boston fouled out with 26 seconds left, but the Fever forced overtime before the defending champion Aces pulled away.
The heartbreaking scene was a familiar one for Indiana, who have endured a season of injuries. Rising star Caitlin Clark and four other players were already sidelined for the year, while Damiris Dantas missed the playoffs with a concussion.
Even so, the Fever defied expectations: snagging the No. 6 seed, reaching their first semifinals since 2015, and pushing the powerhouse Aces to the limit.
“She’s had a phenomenal season,” Aces forward and four-time MVP A’ja Wilson said of Mitchell. “I really hope the Fever take care of her. She’s a phenomenal person, and I hate seeing her go down.”
For the Fever, the night was bittersweet — another example of resilience, but another setback for a team that has had to reinvent itself again and again.
“We’ve rallied around each other so many times this year,” Fever forward Brianna Turner said. “What’s the seventh time, honestly? We were prepared for it.”
Referee Isaac Barnett showed incredible care and compassion towards Kelsey Mitchell tonight when she needed help. WNBA officials have taken a lot of criticism lately. He deserves praise for this. pic.twitter.com/WfmSy7unR4
— Rebecca Lobo (@RebeccaLobo) October 1, 2025
FAQ Section
Q1: What happened to Kelsey Mitchell in Game 5?
Kelsey Mitchell suffered severe leg cramps midway through the third quarter of the Indiana Fever’s WNBA semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces.
Q2: Did Kelsey Mitchell collapse on the court?
Yes. She fell to the floor in visible discomfort after a foul and had to be assisted off the court by trainers and teammates.
Q3: Was Kelsey Mitchell hospitalized?
Yes. Coach Stephanie White confirmed she was taken to a hospital for fluids after experiencing significant lower-body cramping.
Q4: Did Indiana Fever lose the game because of Mitchell’s injury?
The Fever fought hard, forcing overtime despite losing Mitchell and later Aliyah Boston, but eventually fell 107-98 to the Aces.
Q5: What does this mean for Kelsey Mitchell’s future?
Mitchell remains the team’s leading scorer and a top WNBA guard. While the cramping incident ended her playoff run, reports suggest she will recover.
Reminder that the Indiana Fever took the Las Vegas Aces (multiple players on the ‘24 Olympic Team & 2025 MVP) to overtime of Game 5 of the WNBA Semi-finals without:
-Kelsey Mitchell
-Caitlin Clark
-Sophie Cunningham
-Aari McDonald
-Damiris Dantas
-Sydney Colson
-Chloe Bibby pic.twitter.com/dyvLStf1s2— IU DeWonka ⚪️🔴 (@HoosierFever) October 1, 2025
Q6: How has Indiana handled injuries this season?
The Fever endured multiple setbacks with Caitlin Clark, Damiris Dantas, and others sidelined, yet still defied expectations by reaching their first semifinals since 2015.