In a tense Game 5 semi-final matchup, Indiana head coach Stephanie White shared that Kelsey Mitchell was hospitalized after experiencing severe cramps in her lower body during the third quarter.
“She’s dealing with a lot of cramps,” White mentioned, quite emotional. In her post-game press conference, she confirmed that Mitchell was taken to the hospital.
“We have faced many challenges with our teammates. This group truly embodies heart and resilience. It’s tough to articulate, they’re just really unique,” she added.
Mitchell was discharged from the hospital Tuesday night after being treated for “extreme convulsions in her lower body,” as the Fever announced on Wednesday. She is expected to make a full recovery with the help of the team’s medical staff.
During the playoff elimination game against the Aces, Mitchell scored 15 points, had two rebounds, and two assists before having to leave midway through the third quarter, resulting in a 107-98 overtime loss.
In a concerning moment on the court, a security guard was seen helping her as she seemed to be in distress after a foul was called on her teammate.
Mitchell appeared to reach out to umpire Isaac Burnett for assistance.
Rebecca Lobo, a commentator for ESPN, praised Judge Burnett for his compassion during such a critical moment, noting there’s been recent criticism towards WNBA officials.
Meanwhile, during the incident, Mitchell was lying on the court while her teammates held up towels to shield her from view.
Commentators, Rebecca Lobo and Ryan Rucco, were left puzzled as it seemed Mitchell was down with a non-contact injury.
A stretcher was brought onto the court, but Mitchell walked off with support shortly afterward.
This season, she was a standout player for the Fever, averaging 20.2 points in the regular season and an impressive 23.3 during the playoffs.
Despite facing numerous injuries, the Fever snagged the No. 6 seed and reached their first semi-final since 2015.
The team had already been impacted by various injuries, with Caitlin Clark, the first pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and last year’s Rookie of the Year, sidelined due to a serious groin injury and a bone bruise in July.
Additionally, the Fever dealt with season-ending injuries, with Sidney Colson tearing her left ACL and Ahri MacDonald suffering a broken right leg in early August.
Veteran Sophie Cunningham also suffered season-ending MCL tears in her right knee during a game against the Sun in mid-August.
Furthermore, Indiana center Damiris Dantas was unable to participate in the playoffs due to a concussion.
