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The early part of the post reminded me of the 1991 World Series.
The Braves were young and inexperienced at this whole playoffs thing. And here they found themselves in the late innings of a scoreless Game 7 with a chance to take the lead. With one of their speediest runners on 1B, Pendleton hits a DEEEEEEP shot to the wall. Deep enough to score the runner. But as the speedster starts to round second, the shortstop in cutoff position fakes a throw. The runner hesitates, pulls up, realizes the ruse and then puts his head down and starts running again. Too late. That little hesitation was enough to prevent a chance of scoring and he ends up stopping at (and getting stranded at) third. It cost them the game and the title.
It was heartbreaking for the Braves, but it was also a key learning experience. Learning from that mistake taught the entire organization how to win and they spent the next decade nearly unbeatable, regardless of the personnel changes. A heartbreaking loss can either be a catalyst or a breaking point.
Yesterday's loss was devastating for the Hawks. They had chances to win. They ALMOST won. But they also were not broken by it. This has been a learning experience for the team. Barring major injuries, Seattle is going to own the NFC West next season. Lord help any team that stands in their way en route to the Superbowl.