NBA Fast Break Classic | Run 5 | Day 9

Bulls Survive a Shootout, Nets Undercut Toronto, Kings Stun Rockets in OT

NBA Recap: December 21, 2025

Chicago and Atlanta combining for 302 points (in regulation) that felt less like an NBA game and more like a scrimmage where someone forgot to turn defense back on. The Bulls dropped 45 in the second quarter, the Hawks answered with 44 in the third, and by the time the final minute hit, both teams were trading buckets like they were settling a dare until the smoke cleared and the Bulls walked away with a two point win. It was the kind of game where every possession looked like a fast break, and the scoreboard operator deserved hazard pay.

From there, the day finally remembered what normal basketball looks like — at least for a moment. Minnesota edged Milwaukee 103–100 in a grind‑fest where every possession felt like a playoff rehearsal. Brooklyn clamped down on Toronto 96–81, turning the fourth quarter into a defensive chokehold. At MSG, the Knicks out‑clutched Miami 132–125, riding a 39‑point third quarter to create just enough separation in a game that swung wildly between shot‑making brilliance and defensive lapses. And in Washington, the Spurs kept their steady climb going with a 124–113 win over the Wizards, powered by a 43‑point second quarter that blew the game open.

The night closed with the drama everyone stayed up for: Sacramento outlasting Houston 125–124 in overtime, a one‑possession thriller where every trip in the extra frame felt like a coin flip. The Kings’ composure held just long enough to escape, while the Rockets walked off looking like a team that knows they let one slip.

Fast Break Recap: Day 8

Day 8 of this Fast Break run went back to its roots and delivered a win for each of the Fast Break tiers as Classic saw 86%, Pro had 77%, and Historic included 86% winners. Of the top performing players, Kevin Porter had the best performance as he was the second most utilized player and delivered nine assists along with four (for) steals. His performance earned him the Fast Break Stud of the Day.

Out of the remaining four players, Sengun had the worst showing on the night as he only had three assists, but he chipped in two steals, which helped some collectors cross the threshold to earn a win. But overall, his performance earned him the Fast Break Dud of the Day.


Today’s Fast Break Objective(s): Day 9 of 13

Objective(s): 40 Rebounds & 4 Blocks (8.0 REB & 0.8 BLK)

You’ll need five (5) players who will accumulate 40 or more rebounds and 4 or more blocks, which means each player will need to average 8.0 REB & 0.8 BLK. The rebounds are relatively easy to achieve considering the players in action, but the blocks could be the difference maker if your go-to options underperform. If, however, your captain thrives, so will your lineup.

Top Player Options:

  • Little of Both: Anthony Davis, Donovan Clingan, Jalen Duren

  • Glass Crashers: Anthony Davis, Nikola Jokic, Donovan Clingan, Jalen Duren, Jusuf Nurkic

  • Shot Blockers: Jay Huff, Anthony Davis, Isaiah Stewart, Ryan Kalkbrenner, Chet Holmgren, Donovan Clingan

  • Top Five (5) Players in Classic Lineups:

Upcoming Fast Break Objectives:

  • Tomorrow’s Objective(s): 45 Field Goals Made & 55 Field Goal Attempts (9.0 FGM & 11.0 FGA)

  • Objectives Remaining (after today): AST-TO, FGM, FGA, 3PM, 3PA, PTS

Considerations:

  • Nine (9) teams have the least games remaining (2)

  • Seven (7) teams have have the most games remaining (4)

  • Day 10 (tomorrow) has the most games in action for the remainder of this run

  • Day 11 has the always interesting AST-TO objective

  • There are no games scheduled on December 24th

Statistical Approach:

Top players in rebounds & blocks according to Rotowire & NBA.com, which is available in the table(s) below. Overall rank is based on daily projections, last 10 average, and season averages, which is stack ranked amongst peers for each objective. When there is a single objective, the three data points are still used to stack rank the players vs. ranking solely on projections. For tome+ members, all active player stats are available in the provided data file. Omission of certain players would be based on injuries at the time of data pull.

NBA Fast Break Classic Rewards:

  • Daily: Top 100 | Milestone: 4, 7, & 11 Wins | Run: Top 250


If you find these articles useful, but don’t want to subscribe, consider buying me a coffee.


Top Player Options for Fast Break:

The top players for today’s Fast Break objective(s). Source: nbatopshot.com, nba.com, & tomecollective.com, 2025.

Projected Rebounds

For access to the full data beyond the top 10, join tome+ or send any legendary moment to TS: TomeCollective for a lifetime membership. Signing up also grants you access to the Pro mode articles.

Projected Blocks

Projected REB & BLK


NBA Fast Break Grid


Enjoying these articles, but don’t want to subscribe? Consider buying me a coffee.


Support us by:

  • Subscribing to our Newsletter to receive emails with Fast Break analysis

  • Following us on Twitter/X: @TomeCollective and @WittyCollector

  • Joining Tome+ for an enhanced versions of the Fast Break articles, All Day Playbook articles, additional resources, discounts, and future benefits

December 2025 Promotions:

  • Send any rare NBA or WNBA Top Shot moments to TS: TomeCollective for three (3) months of access to tome+.

  • Send any legendary NBA or WNBA Top Shot moment to TS: TomeCollective for lifetime access to tome+.

Next
Next

NBA Fast Break Historic | Run 5 | Day 9