Year: 1978
Runtime: 105 mins
Language: English
Using a cinema‑verité approach, the documentary follows the 1977 Portland Trail Blazers’ NBA championship and the players’ lives off the court. The film weaves game footage with moments like Bill Walton biking the Oregon coast, Dave Twardzik hosting a kids’ camp, Maurice Lucas lounging by the pool, and coach Jack Ramsay’s everyday routine, letting the team speak about basketball, Portland, and the larger lessons of their season.
Get a spoiler-free look at Fast Break (1978) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In a world where basketball is both a livelihood and an obsession, David Greene lives in Brooklyn juggling his love for the game with a modest deli job while dreaming of a coaching career. His marriage to Jan is strained by competing visions: her yearning for stability and a family versus his restless pursuit of the court’s elusive glory. When an unlikely offer arrives—a low‑paying position at the fictional Cadwallader University in Nevada, with a high‑stakes condition that a victory over a top program could secure his future—the pair faces a crossroads that could reshape both their personal and professional lives.
Accepting the challenge thrusts David into the rugged, off‑beat landscape of a Nevada college basketball program. To meet the daunting requirement, he must assemble a roster from the fringes of the sport. He enlists the savvy hustler known as Hustler, whose street‑wise instincts prove invaluable, and the enigmatic Preacher, a man carrying a complex past. Their search continues with the sharp‑minded numbers man D.C. and the talented, gender‑defying sharpshooter Swish, whose presence adds an unexpected dynamic to the team. The final piece falls into place with the addition of Sam Newton, nicknamed “Bull,” whose raw physicality balances the group’s diverse skill set.
The film’s tone blends gritty realism with a playful, almost improvisational spirit, capturing the unease of chasing a dream while navigating love, loyalty, and the pressure to perform. The atmosphere is punctuated by the looming presence of Bo Winnegar, the highly respected coach of the elite opponent whose approval becomes a pivotal obstacle. Across the dusty courts and sun‑baked streets, the story hints at the transformative power of sport, the fragile ties that bind a team together, and the daring hope that a single season might finally tilt the balance between ambition and home.
Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 17:59
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Stories of unlikely teams coming together to achieve a shared, triumphant goal.If you liked watching the team dynamics in Fast Break, explore more movies about underdog teams finding their groove. These films capture the hopeful, determined spirit of building a winning team against the odds, much like the Portland Trail Blazers' journey.
Narratives in this thread follow a linear progression from initial struggle and recruitment to gradual improvement and a climactic test. The central conflict is often the team's internal dynamics and their struggle to prove themselves to a doubting world, culminating in a redemptive victory.
Movies are grouped here because they share a core theme of collective triumph. They blend a steady, character-driven pace with a medium intensity of competition, all leading to a happy, emotionally satisfying ending centered on proving one's worth.
Intimate, fly-on-the-wall documentaries that capture the authentic lives of real people.Fans of the authentic, behind-the-scenes look at athletes in Fast Break will enjoy these similar documentaries. They offer a raw and intimate glimpse into the real lives of people, blending personal moments with professional pursuits in a heartfelt way.
These stories often lack a traditional three-act plot, instead unfolding as a series of interconnected moments and scenes. The journey is emotional and character-based, observing how individuals navigate their environment, relationships, and passions, resulting in a nuanced and realistic portrait.
These films are connected by their realistic, non-intrusive filmmaking style and moderate complexity. They share a medium emotional weight and a steady pace, focusing on creating a heartfelt and authentic mood rather than high-stakes drama.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Fast Break in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Fast Break is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Fast Break, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Fast Break with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Fast Break. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Fast Break: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Fast Break that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Fast Break (1978) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Fast Break (1978) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Fast Break (1978) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Fast Break – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Hoop Dreams (1994) Detailed Story Recap
Fastball (2016) Complete Plot Breakdown
More Than a Game (2009) Film Overview & Timeline
Shut Up and Dribble (1000) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Basketball or Nothing (1000) Full Movie Breakdown
A Season on the Brink (2002) Movie Recap & Themes
Basketball County: In the Water (2020) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Tony Parker: The Final Shot (2021) Complete Plot Breakdown
Passion Play: Russell Westbrook (2021) Movie Recap & Themes
The Last Dance (1000) Full Movie Breakdown
They Call Me Magic (1000) Story Summary & Characters
144 (2021) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Breaking Life (2022) Movie Recap & Themes
Below the Rim (1995) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Fast Break (1979) Plot Summary & Ending Explained