Kelsey Mitchell was the Indiana feverbest player of 2025. With Caitlin Clark Having only played 13 games due to a groin injury, the 30-year-old goalkeeper has stepped up and become the team’s No. 1 option in attack.
The three-time All-Star averaged 20.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists, while shooting 45.6 percent from the field and 39.4 percent from deep. She established herself as a legitimate MVP candidate, finishing fifth in voting.
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With Mitchell leading the way, the Fever finished the season with a 24-20 record, sixth best in the league.
Indiana also surprised many in the playoffs, reaching the semifinals, where they lost to eventual WNBA champions, the The Aces of Las Vegasafter pushing the series to the full five games.
Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) looks on during a WNBA game. Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
It’s worth noting, however, that Fever nearly toppled the Aces in game five. Unfortunately, Mitchell had to leave the competition in the third quarter due to what appeared to be extreme muscle cramps. She was forced to go to the hospital.
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Days later, Mitchell opened up about her injury and revealed that she suffered from rhabdomyolysis. According to her, it is a health condition in which her “muscles have stopped producing and reached their maximum capacity.”
“I felt a numbness/paralysis sensation with no movement in my lower extremities for 5 to 7 seconds,” Mitchell said. explained in more detail in a post on social media. “As my muscles stopped producing positive blood in my bloodstream, my body shut down from a physical standpoint and from there, fatigue and cramping set in.”
Now, almost three months after the incident, Mitchell has clearly recovered from his setback. She’s gearing up for the second season of Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 league founded by fellow WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.
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At Unrivaled’s media day on Monday, Mitchell was understandably asked about her condition, especially given the frightening nature of her outing the last time she was on a basketball court.
Mitchell confirmed that she is “fine” now, although she expressed hope that she won’t experience the same thing again.
“I feel good. I feel good. I think I hope I had a once-in-a-lifetime experience, something I hope I don’t have to experience again,” Mitchell said. according to CBS Sports. “I think God made me sit down on purpose.”
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The second season of Unrivaled will premiere on January 5. Sure enough, many eyes will be on Mitchell as she makes her return to competition for the first time since Fever’s playoff exit.
Mitchell will play for new Unrivaled team Hive BC, coached by Chicago Sky assistant Rena Wakama. Several of her teammates from Fever are also in Unrivaled, such as Aliyah BostonAari McDonald, Lexie Hull and Makayla Timpson.
Related: Sophie Cunningham Reacts to Caitlin Clark Missing Top 10 Most Wanted Athletes
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on December 20, 2025, where he first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as Favorite source by clicking here.
