20 Most Devastating Postseason Losses In Sports History

20 Most Devastating Postseason Losses In Sports History

By Jacob Kornhauser

February 2, 2015

20 Most Devastating Postseason Losses In Sports History

Super Bowl XLIX - New England Patriots v Seattle Seahawks — When we think about the playoffs and championships in sports, we often only remember the thrill of the championship victory rather than the agony of the championship defeat. However, playoff losses can hurt to an even higher level than the degree to which playoff wins create feelings of joy. Here are some of the 20 most heartbreaking playoff losses in playoff history.

When we think about the playoffs and championships in sports, we often only remember the thrill of the championship victory rather than the agony of the championship defeat. However, playoff losses can hurt to an even higher level than the degree to which playoff wins create feelings of joy. Here are some of the 20 most heartbreaking playoff losses in playoff history.

20. Lakers Can't Buy a Win

Los Angeles Lakers v New York Knicks

20. Lakers Can't Buy a Win

Los Angeles Lakers v New York Knicks — Date: May 8, 1970

The Lakers had already lost two straight NBA Finals by 1970, and they were finally trying to buck the trend against the rival Knicks. However, even though they reached Game 7, they were supplanted once again and it became three straight Finals losses for L.A.

Date: May 8, 1970

The Lakers had already lost two straight NBA Finals by 1970, and they were finally trying to buck the trend against the rival Knicks. However, even though they reached Game 7, they were supplanted once again and it became three straight Finals losses for L.A.

19. Titans Come Up One Yard Short

Kevin Dyson #87

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19. Titans Come Up One Yard Short

Kevin Dyson #87 — Date: January 30, 2000

It can't get much more heartbreaking than it did for wide receiver Kevin Dyson and the Tennessee Titans in 2000. As time expired, Dyson caught a pass and was wrapped up as he lunged toward the goal line. When they sorted it out, he was one yard short of getting into the end zone. The score would have given the Titans the Super Bowl win.

Date: January 30, 2000

It can't get much more heartbreaking than it did for wide receiver Kevin Dyson and the Tennessee Titans in 2000. As time expired, Dyson caught a pass and was wrapped up as he lunged toward the goal line. When they sorted it out, he was one yard short of getting into the end zone. The score would have given the Titans the Super Bowl win.

18. Chiefs Blow Huge Second-Half Lead in AFC Wild Card Round

Wild Card Playoffs - Kansas City Chiefs v Indianapolis Colts

18. Chiefs Blow Huge Second-Half Lead in AFC Wild Card Round

Wild Card Playoffs - Kansas City Chiefs v Indianapolis Colts — Date: January 4, 2014

Leading 38-10 in the second half, it seemed like the Chiefs were safe to book their trip to the Divisional round of the AFC playoffs. However, the Colts had different ideas. Led by young Andrew Luck, they mounted a comeback and sent KC to a 45-44 loss, their eighth straight playoff defeat.

Date: January 4, 2014

Leading 38-10 in the second half, it seemed like the Chiefs were safe to book their trip to the Divisional round of the AFC playoffs. However, the Colts had different ideas. Led by young Andrew Luck, they mounted a comeback and sent KC to a 45-44 loss, their eighth straight playoff defeat.

17. The Bartman Game

Chicago Cubs fans dejected

17. The Bartman Game

Chicago Cubs fans dejected — Date: October 14, 2003

It was finally going to happen. The Cubs were going to reach the World Series. With just five outs to go, the lovable losers appeared to have Game 6 of the NLCS against the Marlins in hand. However, a foul ball that didn't get caught, a botched double play ball and some other devastating circumstances proved to be the undoing of the Cubs in that game and eventually in the series; they dropped Game 7 the next day.

Date: October 14, 2003

It was finally going to happen. The Cubs were going to reach the World Series. With just five outs to go, the lovable losers appeared to have Game 6 of the NLCS against the Marlins in hand. However, a foul ball that didn't get caught, a botched double play ball and some other devastating circumstances proved to be the undoing of the Cubs in that game and eventually in the series; they dropped Game 7 the next day.

16. Third Time Not a Charm for Vikings

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16. Third Time Not a Charm for Vikings

New Orleans Saints v Minnesota Vikings — Date: January 12, 1975

The Vikings were playing in their third Super Bowl already by Super Bowl IX, and after getting blown out the first two games, they were finally in this game. They still weren't able to pull it off though, as they lost 16-6 to a Steelers team building a dynasty.

Date: January 12, 1975

The Vikings were playing in their third Super Bowl already by Super Bowl IX, and after getting blown out the first two games, they were finally in this game. They still weren't able to pull it off though, as they lost 16-6 to a Steelers team building a dynasty.

15. The Curse Continues

San Diego Padres

15. The Curse Continues

San Diego Padres — Date: October 7, 1984

The Cubs had built a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five NLCS in 1984, and it looked like they were ready to bury the Padres and move on to the World Series for the first time since 1945. As fate would have it, Steve Garvey and the Padres would storm back and send Cubs fans to a horrible heartbreak, taking the series in Game 5.

Date: October 7, 1984

The Cubs had built a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five NLCS in 1984, and it looked like they were ready to bury the Padres and move on to the World Series for the first time since 1945. As fate would have it, Steve Garvey and the Padres would storm back and send Cubs fans to a horrible heartbreak, taking the series in Game 5.

14. Vancouver Riots After Canucks' Stanley Cup Game 7 Loss

Couple Kisses During Vancouver Riot

14. Vancouver Riots After Canucks' Stanley Cup Game 7 Loss

Couple Kisses During Vancouver Riot — Date: June 15, 2011

Canadian hockey had been in a rut for a while when it seemed like the Canucks were finally ready to bring the Stanley Cup back to the home of hockey. They controlled most of their series against the Bruins, but Boston managed to pull out a classic Game 7 and win the Cup. Infamously, riots ensued in Vancouver in the aftermath of the loss.

Date: June 15, 2011

Canadian hockey had been in a rut for a while when it seemed like the Canucks were finally ready to bring the Stanley Cup back to the home of hockey. They controlled most of their series against the Bruins, but Boston managed to pull out a classic Game 7 and win the Cup. Infamously, riots ensued in Vancouver in the aftermath of the loss.

13. Mazeroski Lifts Pirates Over Yankees

MLB Photos Archive

13. Mazeroski Lifts Pirates Over Yankees

MLB Photos Archive — Date: October 13, 1960

In what has become one of the most famous home runs of all time, Bill Mazeroski sent a towering drive over the fence in the bottom of the ninth of Game 7 of the 1960 World Series. It downed the Yankees, who were clearly devastated, and put the next Yankee dynasty on hold.

Date: October 13, 1960

In what has become one of the most famous home runs of all time, Bill Mazeroski sent a towering drive over the fence in the bottom of the ninth of Game 7 of the 1960 World Series. It downed the Yankees, who were clearly devastated, and put the next Yankee dynasty on hold.

12. MJ Sinks the Cavs with "The Shot"

Chicago Bulls v Sacramento Kings

12. MJ Sinks the Cavs with "The Shot"

Chicago Bulls v Sacramento Kings — Date: May 7, 1989

Cleveland has a history for losing sporting events in devastating fashion, and a young Michael Jordan seemed intent on continuing that tradition in 1989. In Game 5 of the Bulls' first-round playoff series against the Cavs, he hit a clutch jumper in the final seconds to send the Bulls to a 101-100 clinching victory and the Cavs to a crushing defeat.

Date: May 7, 1989

Cleveland has a history for losing sporting events in devastating fashion, and a young Michael Jordan seemed intent on continuing that tradition in 1989. In Game 5 of the Bulls' first-round playoff series against the Cavs, he hit a clutch jumper in the final seconds to send the Bulls to a 101-100 clinching victory and the Cavs to a crushing defeat.

11. Maple Leafs Choke Away Three-Goal Lead

Toronto Maple Leafs v Boston Bruins - Game Seven

11. Maple Leafs Choke Away Three-Goal Lead

Toronto Maple Leafs v Boston Bruins - Game Seven — Date: May 13, 2013

The Maple Leafs have faced tough times in recent years, but it seemed like they were ready to score a huge first-round playoff upset over the Bruins. Leading 4-1 about midway through the third period of Game 7 of the series, the game was all but over. Boston stormed back and somehow won the game to shock Toronto's players and fans in the process.

Date: May 13, 2013

The Maple Leafs have faced tough times in recent years, but it seemed like they were ready to score a huge first-round playoff upset over the Bruins. Leading 4-1 about midway through the third period of Game 7 of the series, the game was all but over. Boston stormed back and somehow won the game to shock Toronto's players and fans in the process.

10. David Almost Slays Goliath, But Butler Falls To Duke

NCAA Championship Game: Butler v Duke

10. David Almost Slays Goliath, But Butler Falls To Duke

NCAA Championship Game: Butler v Duke — Date: April 5, 2010

The Butler Bulldogs had made one of the most improbable NCAA tournament runs in history as they found themselves against the juggernaut Duke Blue Devils. Instead of getting blown out, Butler was actually in the game until the end. Star Gordon Hayward took a half-court runner for the win and nearly banked it in. Instead, the Cinderella story was over and the favorite celebrated their title.

Date: April 5, 2010

The Butler Bulldogs had made one of the most improbable NCAA tournament runs in history as they found themselves against the juggernaut Duke Blue Devils. Instead of getting blown out, Butler was actually in the game until the end. Star Gordon Hayward took a half-court runner for the win and nearly banked it in. Instead, the Cinderella story was over and the favorite celebrated their title.

9. The Greatest Game Ever Played

Movies16 Lawrence Taylor

9. The Greatest Game Ever Played

Movies16 Lawrence Taylor — Date: December 28, 1958

In what is called the "greatest game ever played", the Baltimore Colts faced off with the New York Giants at Yankee Stadium for the 1958 NFL Championship. Both teams battled and it became the first NFL playoff game to go into sudden death overtime. For the Giants, it was devastating as they lost 23-17 and their potential place in football history.

Date: December 28, 1958

In what is called the "greatest game ever played", the Baltimore Colts faced off with the New York Giants at Yankee Stadium for the 1958 NFL Championship. Both teams battled and it became the first NFL playoff game to go into sudden death overtime. For the Giants, it was devastating as they lost 23-17 and their potential place in football history.

8. Royals' Cinderella Doesn't Get a Happy Ending

World Series - San Francisco Giants v Kansas City Royals - Game Seven

8. Royals' Cinderella Doesn't Get a Happy Ending

World Series - San Francisco Giants v Kansas City Royals - Game Seven — Date: October 30, 2014

Nobody saw the Royals coming last season as they mounted an improbable run to the World Series. They didn't lose a single playoff game until reaching the Fall Classic, where they faced a stiff test in the Giants. With a runner on third, down one run with two outs in the ninth of Game 7, Salvador Perez couldn't bring more magic as he fouled out and the Royals were left thinking about what could have been.

Date: October 30, 2014

Nobody saw the Royals coming last season as they mounted an improbable run to the World Series. They didn't lose a single playoff game until reaching the Fall Classic, where they faced a stiff test in the Giants. With a runner on third, down one run with two outs in the ninth of Game 7, Salvador Perez couldn't bring more magic as he fouled out and the Royals were left thinking about what could have been.

7. Aaron Boone Walk-Off Buries Red Sox in ALCS Game 7

Boone celebrates game winning home run

7. Aaron Boone Walk-Off Buries Red Sox in ALCS Game 7

Boone celebrates game winning home run — Date: October 15, 2003

The Red Sox had grown accustomed to being ousted by the Yankees in the regular season and playoffs by 2003, but it seemed like that year might be different. They were gridlocked entering the bottom of the ninth of Game 7 of the ALCS and Aaron Boone, who was in a giant slump, stepped up to the plate. Of course, he hit a walk-off home run down the left-field line and Boston fans wondered if they'd ever conquer the Yankees.

Date: October 15, 2003

The Red Sox had grown accustomed to being ousted by the Yankees in the regular season and playoffs by 2003, but it seemed like that year might be different. They were gridlocked entering the bottom of the ninth of Game 7 of the ALCS and Aaron Boone, who was in a giant slump, stepped up to the plate. Of course, he hit a walk-off home run down the left-field line and Boston fans wondered if they'd ever conquer the Yankees.

6. Seahawks One Yard Short of Winning Back-to-Back Super Bowls

Seahawks Fans Gather To Watch Super Bowl XLIX, Seattle Vs. New England

6. Seahawks One Yard Short of Winning Back-to-Back Super Bowls

Seahawks Fans Gather To Watch Super Bowl XLIX, Seattle Vs. New England — Date: February 1, 2015

In a play that will be analyzed for years to come, the Seahawks decided to throw the ball while on the one-yard line with a chance to win the Super Bowl in the closing seconds. Instead of using Marshawn Lynch (who scored just one touchdown on five one-yard, goal-to-go situations in the regular season) they passed it. The attempt was picked off and it was the Patriots celebrating the victory rather than Seattle.

Date: February 1, 2015

In a play that will be analyzed for years to come, the Seahawks decided to throw the ball while on the one-yard line with a chance to win the Super Bowl in the closing seconds. Instead of using Marshawn Lynch (who scored just one touchdown on five one-yard, goal-to-go situations in the regular season) they passed it. The attempt was picked off and it was the Patriots celebrating the victory rather than Seattle.

5. Braves Drop Pitcher's Duel World Series Game 7

Braves v Twins

5. Braves Drop Pitcher's Duel World Series Game 7

Braves v Twins — Date: October 27, 1991

The 1991 World Series is generally regarded as one of the best World Series of all time and for good reason. Five of the seven games were decided by just one run and Game 7 was no different. After a great pitcher's duel between John Smoltz and Jack Morris, the Twins managed to squeak out a run in the tenth to win the game 1-0 and clinch the series.

Date: October 27, 1991

The 1991 World Series is generally regarded as one of the best World Series of all time and for good reason. Five of the seven games were decided by just one run and Game 7 was no different. After a great pitcher's duel between John Smoltz and Jack Morris, the Twins managed to squeak out a run in the tenth to win the game 1-0 and clinch the series.

4. Patrick Ewing Misses Layup Against Rival Pacers

1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals: Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks

4. Patrick Ewing Misses Layup Against Rival Pacers

1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals: Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks — Date: May 22, 1995

Patrick Ewing, who could never seem to succeed in the playoffs, was just one shot away from conquering the rival Pacers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. However, as he went up for a relatively open layup, he was off the mark and once again came up just short when the game mattered most.

Date: May 22, 1995

Patrick Ewing, who could never seem to succeed in the playoffs, was just one shot away from conquering the rival Pacers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. However, as he went up for a relatively open layup, he was off the mark and once again came up just short when the game mattered most.

3. Diamondbacks Put End to Yankee Dynasty

World Series GM6 X

3. Diamondbacks Put End to Yankee Dynasty

World Series GM6 X — Date: November 4, 2001

With the Yankees looking for their fourth straight World Series and fifth in six years, it appeared one of the greatest dynasties in baseball was about to earn more hardware. However, usually flawless closer Mariano Rivera blew the lead, giving up a little blooper to Luis Gonzalez who sent Arizona to the title in Game 7.

Date: November 4, 2001

With the Yankees looking for their fourth straight World Series and fifth in six years, it appeared one of the greatest dynasties in baseball was about to earn more hardware. However, usually flawless closer Mariano Rivera blew the lead, giving up a little blooper to Luis Gonzalez who sent Arizona to the title in Game 7.

2. Bills Lose Super Bowl "Wide Right"

Thurman Thomas

2. Bills Lose Super Bowl "Wide Right"

Thurman Thomas — Date: January 27, 1991

Infamously, the Bills lost four straight Super Bowls in the early 1990s. One of those losses, 1991 was particularly painful. Trailing the Giants by just one point with under 10 seconds to play, the Bills just needed a 47-yard field goal off the foot of kicker Scott Norwood. He pushed the kick right and ensured that the Bills still wouldn't win a Super Bowl.

Date: January 27, 1991

Infamously, the Bills lost four straight Super Bowls in the early 1990s. One of those losses, 1991 was particularly painful. Trailing the Giants by just one point with under 10 seconds to play, the Bills just needed a 47-yard field goal off the foot of kicker Scott Norwood. He pushed the kick right and ensured that the Bills still wouldn't win a Super Bowl.

1. Packers Collapse in NFC Championship Game

NFC Championship - Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks

1. Packers Collapse in NFC Championship Game

NFC Championship - Green Bay Packers v Seattle Seahawks — Date: January 18, 2015

The game was in hand and the Packers were headed to Super Bowl XLIX -- until they weren't. Late in the fourth quarter, down two scores, the Seahawks scored, got a successful onside kick and the rest, as they say, is history.

Date: January 18, 2015

The game was in hand and the Packers were headed to Super Bowl XLIX -- until they weren't. Late in the fourth quarter, down two scores, the Seahawks scored, got a successful onside kick and the rest, as they say, is history.

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