1.   As the team fell further under a lethargic trance, losing streaks became normal for the once-surprising Sonics.

2.   At some point, and this is the point, losing becomes a problem.

3.   For the Braves, though, losing has become a three-day trend.

4.   Losing had become acceptable.

5.   Losing became a habit and fatalism a doctrine.

6.   Losing became the norm.

7.   What they do remember is the uncertainty they felt, the growing anxiety, the sense that losing was becoming customary.

8.   When it became obvious she would lose her battle, she gave Rideout the bear, asking her to use it to teach her grandchildren about her.

9.   With so many new players, Batesole is aware losing could become more frequent.

10.   Yeltsin personally would like to go through the elections, analysts said, but might countenance their postponement if it became obvious he would lose.