Indiana Fever All-Star guard Kelsey Mitchell disclosed on Wednesday that a medical condition, identified as Rhabdomyolysis, was responsible for her muscles ceasing to function properly and rendering her unable to move her legs during Tuesday night's WNBA semifinal game. Mitchell shared the concerning details of the incident on her social media account, describing a terrifying moment that unfolded late in the third quarter of a 107-98 overtime loss to the Las Vegas Aces.

The medical emergency occurred as Mitchell drove toward the basket, an action during which All-Star center Aliyah Boston drew her fifth foul while setting a pick. Mitchell collapsed onto the court, prompting players and trainers to gather around her, using towels to ensure her privacy. While a stretcher was brought onto the court, it ultimately wasn't needed. Mitchell, with assistance, managed to stand and was subsequently transported to a hospital for treatment.

In her social media statement, Mitchell explained, "I suffered from something called Rhabdomyolysis last night. My muscles stopped producing and reached its maximum capacity." She further elaborated on the frightening experience, stating, "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 like I couldn't move my legs. It was an out of body experience for me and I thank God for covering me at a time like that." Mitchell also expressed her gratitude to the trainers and doctors who assisted her both at the arena and the hospital, confirming she is currently recovering.

The victory secured by the Aces sent them to their third WNBA Finals in four years and brought an end to the Indiana Fever's improbable playoff run. The 29-year-old former Ohio State star, who played high school basketball in suburban Cincinnati, was a significant catalyst for Indiana's remarkable performance throughout the season. After earning her third All-Star Game selection, Mitchell led the team in scoring during the regular season, averaging 20.2 points. Her impactful performance continued into the postseason, where she averaged 22.3 points in 32.6 minutes across eight playoff games.

Despite playing without four key players, including All-Star guard Caitlin Clark, due to season-ending injuries, the Fever, powered by Mitchell's leadership, achieved their first playoff series win in a decade. They rallied from a 1-0 deficit in a best-of-three first-round series against Atlanta and pushed the second-seeded Las Vegas Aces to a decisive fifth game and then into overtime, even after losing Boston to fouls and Mitchell to severe cramping. Mitchell poignantly concluded her message, stating, "... I played literally 'til my wheels fell off. THANK you for the prayers, love, respect, and support throughout all of this."