The defending WNBA champion Aces haven't been this big of an underdog since 2020. This is only the second time all season Las Vegas is getting points. The Aces blew out the Liberty, 99-82 and 104-76, at home during the first two games of this best-of-five championship series before losing Game 3 in New York, 87-73, this past Sunday.

So what gives with this large of a point spread?

Several things: New York is home and its confidence has been restored after Sunday's victory. More important, though, are the Aces being without injured Chelsea Gray, last year's Finals MVP, and center Kiah Stokes. Both have foot injuries. Gray is a great two-way player and definitely worth something on the betting line.

But the line is too high.

The Aces are extremely well coached by Becky Hammon and are mentally tough. They also have versatile guards and swing players. Hammon can rely on point guard Kelsey Plum and guard/forward Jackie Young to keep the Aces' system fluid minus Gray. Plum is having an outstanding series.

Stokes is a defensive specialist. She brought nothing to Las Vegas' offense. Alysha Clark, the Aces' sixth person, now will draw more minutes. She's a 3-point shooting threat who can keep the Liberty from jamming A'ja Wilson inside. Breanna Stewart won the league MVP award. But Wilson is the best player on the court. She should have been the league MVP.

I trust Hammon to make the right adjustments. So I will accept this many points.