The Indiana Fever’s debut didn’t go down as expected.

Caitlin Clark has been burdened with huge expectations on her shoulders after one of the biggest WNBA draft picks in the sport’s history, and it’s safe to say her debut didn’t go down as expected on Tuesday.

Many expected the 22-year-old to carry her form from the NCAA – where she became the all-time leader in points scored for Iowa Hawkeyes – into the WNBA and become an instant star.

However, some wiser heads such as former Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi knew that wasn’t going to be the case. As one of the WNBA’s finest players, people should have listened to her experience.

Clark’s highly-anticipated WNBA regular season debut came against the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday and, while it was widely expected she would top the scoring charts for her own team, she flattered to deceive.

Clark was just 5-15 from the field, and had an astounding 10 turnovers as the Fever were dominated by the Sun, losing 92-71. The fact Clark finished with 20 points and 3 assists on her debut isn’t bad, as it was still the highest total of any Fever player, but it’s a far cry from her totals with Iowa.

Taurasi’s warning bears fruit

Taurasi predicted back in April that Clark would initially struggle with the huge jump in competitiveness from NCAA action to the WNBA – and that prediction might prove to be true in the coming weeks.

“Reality is coming, there’s levels to this thing… You look superhuman playing against some 18 years olds but you’re going to come play with some grown women that have been playing professional basketball for a long time,” Taurasi said.

“Not saying that it’s not going to translate, when you’re great at you do you’re just going to get better, but there is going to be a transition period when you have to give some grace as a rookie, it make take a little bit longer for some people.”

Clark will look to redeem herself in their sellout clash against the New York Liberty on Thursday, knowing the pressure is on her to deliver.