Words resonate. Fat chance, slim chance, and no chance mean the same thing. The intimacy of a kiss translates into basketball analogies and idioms.
Kissing the ring. To "kiss the ring" expresses humility and subservience to authority, traditionally the pope or a king. Some families expect coaches figuratively to kiss the ring for them to attend that school.
The "kiss of death" portends eventual total failure. It may reflect bad decisions, poor performance, or bad luck (e.g. a critical injury).
Kissing the glass informs a soft glance off the backboard leading to a goal.
Kissing the trophy is a tired cliche of teams celebrating championships.
Unless it's you. Boston Garden, 1973.
Kiss and cry area. Some arenas reserve areas for athletes and coaches to celebrate or bemoan their performance, most commonly in figure skating.
Blowing a kiss can be positive or share a sarcastic "kiss off" to opponents or fans.
"Kiss up, kick down" disparages a person by saying they pay homage to power and disparage those below them. Good teammates do not do this.
Fortunately basketball doesn't have ties so there's no, "a tie is like kissing your sister."
"Do you kiss your granny with that mouth?" doesn't mean garlic breath but foul language.
"Kiss and tell" books or stories use intimate knowledge of a person or situation to reveal privileged information (often of an amorous nature).
"Judas kiss" expresses betrayal. In sports, some view athletes as commodities more than individuals, so management may unceremoniously 'dump' them with a Judas Kiss.
Situations change and fortunes reverse. Samuel Jackson cautions us not to burn bridges.
Lagniappe (something extra). Shooting form, footwork, and handwork from Dave Love.
