'It Was Bad': Sophie Cunningham Speaks Frankly on Indiana Fever Star's Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Oct 5, 2025 8:03 PM ET

Kelsey Mitchell had a brilliant 2025 run with the Indiana Fever, leading the team in scoring in the absence of Caitlin Clark. The 29-year-old guard averaged 20.2 points on 45.6% shooting, while also recording 1.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists.

With her performance, Mitchell even finished in the top five in the MVP voting.

Unfortunately, the three-time All-Star's campaign didn't end the way she wanted. Not only did the Fever lose in Game 5 of the semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces, but Mitchell also suffered an injury during the game and was forced to exit.

Mitchell collapsed during the third quarter of the do-or-die showdown and was brought to the hospital. Later on, she revealed that she suffered from "Rhabdomyolysis," in which her "muscles stopped producing and reached its maximum capacity."

Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) reacts during a WNBA game.© Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

While Mitchell definitely avoided a worse outcome, what happened to her was nevertheless serious and scary. In fact, Sophie Cunningham talked about the Fever star's injury in the latest episode of her "Show Me Something" podcast and highlighted how "it was bad."

"She just got a full body cramp, but it's like imagine having a charley horse, but times 100," Cunningham said of the severity of Mitchell's injury.

"She was a little sick, super dehydrated, but really the doctor just said, you know, like she played to her wheels came off. Her body was just to a point of exhaustion where she couldn't go anymore. And like I believe it, man. She put the team on her back all season long and you know, it just came down to that."

Cunningham also detailed how Mitchell was rushed to the hospital where she was given IV fluids and had some blood work done. Moreover, although Mitchell is recovering, "she's super sore" and "walking slowly."

It remains to be seen how long Mitchell will need to fully recover. It's worth noting that she signed on to play in Season 2 of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball league, which is set to tip off in January.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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