The Indiana Fever tried to keep their playoff dreams alive by forcing a Game 5 against the Las Vegas Aces, and even though they took the game into overtime, they were eliminated 107-98 at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.
However, the loss wasn’t the only blow to Stephanie White’s team. Kelsey Mitchell’s injury in the third quarter was devastating. A’ja Wilson sent a heartfelt message to the 29-year-old guard.
A’ja stands in solidarity with Mitchell
The absence of Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham, Sydney Colson, Aari McDonald, and Chloe Bibby for the rest of the season, and Damiris Dantas out with a concussion protocol, has not been easy to cope with. As if that weren’t enough, they also lost Kelsey.
Mitchell had 15 points, two rebounds, and two assists in 23 minutes of action when she left Game 5. She had just scored a three-pointer when she was seen rubbing her leg in obvious pain and leaning on the referee, who helped her lie down.
Quickly, teammates from the Fever and Aces covered her with towels while she was being treated. Kelsey refused the stretcher and left the court with the help and support of her teammates, the ovation of the crowd, and the encouragement of her opponents. One of them was Wilson.
The 29-year-old center shares a very special bond with the Fever star, as both were selected in the 2018 WNBA Draft. A’ja was chosen first by the Aces, while Indiana selected Mitchell with the second pick.
That’s why, after the game, Wilson began her press conference alone and started by saying:
“First off, prayers for Kelsey Mitchell. That’s my draft partner, and to see her go down like that was not good. So super prayers out to her,” the four-time MVP said.
“She’s just had a phenomenal season and I really hope the Indiana Fever continue to take care of her, because she’s a gem. We don’t talk every single day, of course, but she’s a phenomenal person and I hated seeing her go down,” A’ja concluded.
The truth is that Mitchell closes her season averaging 20.2 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.3 rebounds for the Fever during the regular season. As for Wilson, she had a great night, both personally and with the team.
A’ja finished with 35 points, the game high in 41 minutes of play. She also added eight rebounds, five assists, four steals, and four blocks. In addition, her teammate, Jackie Young, scored 32 points to lead the Las Vegas Aces to the Playoff Finals.
Now, they must prepare to host the Phoenix Mercury at Michelob Ultra Arena on Friday for Game 1 of a best-of-seven series.
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