There’s something particularly frustrating about an overtime loss. Losing by a significant margin leaves so many potential explanations up for grabs and can even feel fated. But the close loss, and particularly the overtime loss immediately gives you at least two conclusive statements.
One, that your opponent suffered from moments of real vulnerability. And two, that in spite of the aforementioned vulnerabilities, your team was unable to capitalize on them.
Neither of those thoughts are particularly comforting; they make it difficult to contextualize the loss in a way that favors a more positive interpretation. You can’t just chalk it up to a poor shooting night, or tired legs.