What the Indiana Fever just did seems improbable, remarkable, and unbelievable. But somehow, at every step, they overcame the odds to put together one of the most insane underdog runs in WNBA history. After losing Caitlin Clark for the season before the playoffs even got underway, it was easy to write off the Fever as a viable team in the title race.
However, even without their ace superstar, Indiana persevered and found itself in a heated battle against the Las Vegas Aces in the 2025 WNBA semifinals. Even as their roster continued to add names to the injury report, the team found a way to remain in the series.
In a do-or-die Game 5, though, their luck finally ran out, as another superstar on the roster went down. But, as it turns out, the situation was worse than previously imagined.
Indiana Fever Lose Another Superstar in Game 5
In a back-and-forth battle where the Fever were already without Clark, Sophie Cunningham, Sydney Colson, Chloe Bibby, Damiris Dantas, and Aari McDonald, Kelsey Mitchell joined the list during the third quarter.
After appearing to be in some discomfort after hitting a three-pointer, she chose to remain in the game. However, as she was going over a screen on the next play, the team’s leading scorer for the season fell to the ground in pain.
Immediately taken out of the game, it was clear that something had gone horribly wrong. Mitchell did not return for the rest of the game as the Fever lost 107-98.
Her injury was the beginning of the end for Indiana, which tried to remain in the game and even forced overtime, but ultimately fell short to the twin monsters on the Las Vegas Aces in the form of A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young.
Kelsey Mitchell was helped off the court after appearing to sustain a leg injury. pic.twitter.com/44xNCLTMcY
— ESPN (@espn) October 1, 2025
After the game, head coach Stephanie White provided an update on Mitchell, and it was probably the last thing the fan base may have wanted to hear. “She’s got a lot of lower-body cramping. She’s currently at the hospital right now getting fluids.”
Stephanie White on Kelsey Mitchell’s injury:
“She’s got a lot of lower body cramping. She’s currently at the hospital right now getting fluids” 🙏 pic.twitter.com/s6yrW6A4uq
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) October 1, 2025
If cramping is the only issue she’s suffering from, then fans can expect Mitchell to be fully healthy by the time the 2026 season rolls around. But if further diagnosis reveals something more severe, then the timeline for the Fever could dramatically change.
Without Mitchell in the game, Indiana tried to stay in the game, but after Aliyah Boston fouled out near the end of regulation, the Aces were able to capitalize in overtime. Regardless of the result in Game 5, the franchise has proven itself in a major way this season.
Next year, with better health, they could continue this upward trajectory and firmly be in the thick of the discussion for championship contenders.
