They went at it every single game, showing their competitive spirits in every single game. This rumor has never been confirmed, but the two players have a close relationship and often speak highly of each other in interviews. Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Obviously Durant didn't see Draymond's tweet, but the Nets star immediately hit two big 3-pointers, with the second shot tying the game 57-57. And its big-boy basketball. Vote For Luka Doni To Make The 2020 NBA All-Star Team! Tucker Is Happy Being the Underdog. It could happen on Wednesday against the Hornets. Tucker, a defensive pest during that series, from the Heat in free agency, a move that left Philadelphia penalized by the NBA for . Devin Booker scored 37 points and Deandre Ayton had 16 points and 16 rebounds in the Suns' seventh victory in 10 games. Tricking myslf bcause he's killing m. Who Is Keith Appling, Former NBA Player Accused of Second Degree Murder? an ardent Steph Curry and Warriors guy, and believes they have a few more Draymond has hilarious reaction to KD-Tucker skirmish. Tucker of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference second round playoff series at the Fiserv Forum on . People ask me why I play so hard. He told Tucker he believed he could have a place in the NBA as a primary defender. The friendship between Tucker and Durant is a testament to the power of college basketball. Rockets coach Mike DAntoni said his team won Game 3 because of Tucker, who had 7 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks. Tensions ran high between Kevin Durant and Tucker during Game 3, a scuffle that led to the former's bodyguard being fired due to him trying to get involved with an on-court entanglement. It is a reminder that even though players may move on to different teams and different levels of competition, the bonds they form during their time in college can last a lifetime. "He didn't do nothing wrong," Tucker told the website. Kelly Olynyk, Full Spectrum Services LLP 2022 | All Rights Reserved. Tucker and Blanks were actually friends with University of Texas ties. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. However, the Bucks pushed the series to game-seven, where Tucker and Durant will have another opportunity to put everything on the line. Hes the best scorer Ive ever seen in my life; I enjoy watching him play. Though they are not related, they have developed a strong bond both on and off the court. Seven years later, Tucker is still in the NBA and guarding Durant. Dallas Mavericks Star Struggles In Playoffs And Fans Worry, LeBron James: Building A Legacy Of Empowerment And Hope Through I Promise, The Resilience Of Love: A Look At LeBron & Savannahs Timeless Relationship. I was like, I am going to turn this money down? It was for way less money, Tucker said. 6:24 PM - 10 Jun 2021. 641 Retweets. Tucker found some time to have some fun. I know what I could do. There is still uncertainty about whether or not Kyrie Irving will play in Game Seven on Wednesday, but he is expected to. Tucker as the NBA's toughest one-on-one defender for him. However, this hasnt stopped Durant from lighting it up in the series. Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker got right into each other's faces. The two have complementary skillsets that have helped them form a successful partnership both on and off the court. Please check your email for a confirmation. Kevin Durants idol and strongest support is his mom. There has been happiness, tears, injuries, clutch moments, fights and even record-breaking games, but the spirit of the game and the love has been what matters at the end of the day. But Tucker is making Durant work. Despite Tucker's solid defense, Durant still scored 32 points to go along with 11 rebounds. PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are both Texas Longhorns and apparently have a pretty good relationship, but that went out the window during Game 3 of the Milwaukee Bucks - Brooklyn Nets series . You love to see these moments to find out how intense the playoffs are. P.J. Emailed daily. 02/16 . We dream about this our whole lives. Guarding Kevin Durant is an impossible thing to do. The two have been teammates on the USA Basketball team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Golden State Warriors. He out there tackling them. They have won multiple championships together, and their friendship has been well-documented. NBA Trade Rumors: Insider Believes Rift Between Anthony Davis and LeBron James Could Leave to DallasMavericksMove. Also Read:NBA Playoffs: Is Chris Paul playing in Game 1 vs the Los Angeles Clippers? Who are Kevin and Tucker friends? Yall stand there and I turn around. the AFC Champions League. So, I was talking crazy, and she was like I was in him (Durant), Tucker told JJ Redick. I dont understand all this little stuff. Rapaport posted screenshots of the conversation with Durant on Twitter. Saturday was an important day for the Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks, as the winner of Game 7 would officially move on to the Eastern Conference Finals. WATCH THIS STORY: Butting Heads with LeBron James & All the Other Times Kevin Durant Showed His Anger. He only made it to the NCAA tournament once. He played college basketball for the University of Texas at Austin, and was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the 2006 NBA draft. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. It keeps me strong. Im like, yeah, you right. PJ Tucker and Kevin Durants mom share a few words and some laughs , : @HoHighlights pic.twitter.com/9XmpWc6mOM, USA TODAY NBA (@usatodaynba) June 20, 2021. Tucker said he has nothing but love for Durant. The Nets 7-footer heard "F-k KD" chants in Milwaukee after a heated dust-up with Bucks forward P.J. A foundation of success and high performance had been set.. Carlos Garcia, Game 7 6/20/2021. src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=674090812743125&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/>. (Durants) like, stop fighting with Blake. Bettors are focusing on the latter. Shes going at me and I hear her. When the Bucks veteran mentioned fighting with Durant, he was referring to his physical defense on the Nets forward and their vocal altercations after plays, such as this one from Game 3: Things got CHIPPY, chippy between #KevinDurant & #PJTucker in last nights game 3. However, it wasnt enough as the Nets crashed out of the series by losing 115111 in overtime. The two were cursing and throwing insults at each other and the former NBA MVP called Rapaport a "fkin pale ck sucker.". However, based on their interactions on social media and at public events, it appears that they are at least on good terms with one another. Market data provided by Factset. However, since joining the NBA, the duo has faced each other on several big occasions. My first start was against KD and OKC. They helped the Longhorns reach the NCAA tournament in 2006 and 2007, with Durant being named the tournaments Most Outstanding Player in 2007. Tucker is an American professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Tucker and Kevin Durants mom exchanged some words in a light-hearted moment during Game 7 on Saturday. P.J. Even with a couple of slow games against the Los Angeles Clippers, Durant wasn't really bothered by the defense or antics of Patrick . This is supposed to be Americas sweetheart right? Id rather be the man in Europe and win that respect. Kevin Durant was the most widely regarded prospect among all forwards in the 2003 NBA draft. Youre gonna get thrown out; then we cant play. In addition to winning two titles with Portland in 2015 and 2015, he won two Finals Most Valuable Player awards in 2015 and 2017, a scoring title in 2015, and a regular-season Most Valuable Player award in 2015. To be out of the NBA for that long to now having played as much as Ive played and have an impact that I am having on a team like this, I dont know if anyone has ever done it.. Tucker fouled Kevin Durant and sent him to the free-throw line. The former University of Texas star was the 35th overall pick in the second round of the 2006 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors. The Suns are +450 to win a championship. by Josef Castillo | Dec 25, 2022 | Famous Players. Returning to the court after recovering from a knee injury . 5990 S. Val Vista Dr.Chandler, AZ 85249Phone: 480-224-2100, Giannis Antetokounmpo And His Brothers: How Support From His Siblings Helped Shape His Success, LeBron James Absence Makes A Big Difference: Houston Rockets Vs Los Angeles Lakers. Chavez/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images. It's like 'OK man, that was incredible, yu made that. Golden State Warriors' Kevin Durant (35) passes the ball against the Houston Rockets' PJ Tucker (17) during the fourth quarter of a NBA game at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019. It is difficult to win a Final Four game, but there is only one winner. Tucker then looked over to Durants mom to say that he loved her, to which she replied I love you too., PJ Tucker and Kevin Durants mom share a few words and some laughs , : @HoHighlights pic.twitter.com/9XmpWc6mOM, USA TODAY NBA (@usatodaynba) June 20, 2021. James Harden has also been shaky for the Nets since coming back from injury faster than expected. He is currently a member of the Houston Rockets. 291 replies 641 retweets 4,763 likes. I knew that defense was my way, but that is where I learned to enjoy it and saw how much of an effect it could have on games. ", JAZZ PLAYERS RECALL TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE AFTER EMERGENCY PLANE LANDING: 'THIS MIGHT BE REALLY THE END'. PJ Tucker was a guest on Iman Shumperts podcast for two years ago. If NBA broadcasters ever wanted to offer an uncensored, mic'd-up option to watch entire games, people would . The playoffs this year have been a roller-coaster ride. [ad_1] JIMMY BUTLER INTERRUPTED his pregame warmup and made a beeline toward half court. Tuckers mother, Sharon, is a retired teacher. In fact, before the playoffs, he started on just one occasion. KD might have put up a record-breaking 40+ points in Game 7 but Tucker made KD work for it. Chris Paul added 11 assists. His career averages include 22.1 points, 10.3 assists, and 2.2 boards per game. In fact, Tucker and Durant faced each other in the conference semis . No, no, no, not me. This article first appeared on Sideline Sources and was syndicated with permission. Tucker (17) in the first quarter during game seven in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. That was a decision I had made.. Earlier in the quarter, Draymond tweeted about the night Durant was having. "It's basketball. I say, Im happy to be here. For real.. It was tough being away from home, Tucker said. But now that Rapaport exposed Durant on social media, in the social justice conscious NBA, what -- if any -- will be the league's reaction. While his agent Andre Buck put an NBA out clause in the deal, Tucker was content being a star overseas. I love what I do. Tucker, unhappy with the call, went after Durant but in the middle of the confrontation, a seemingly random security guard was seen running into the middle of the scrum to separate the two players . But the 2006 Big 12 Conference Player of the Year averaged only 1.8 points and 1.4 rebounds in 4.9 minutes per game during the 2006-07 season. D it again.' Bcause I'm nt gnna stop. He is great friends - "brothers," in his words - with Nets star Kevin Durant, and adding a player of Tucker's ilk would provide a much-needed toughness and frontcourt floor spacing to a . this is the playoffs man. Both players are around the same height and weight, and both have played for several different teams throughout their careers. Because hes happy to be here., P.J. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. During the third quarter, Tucker fouled Nets star Kevin Durant, sending him to the free-throw line. Tucker has worked hard all series to get to Kevin Durant on the defensive end. The former Houston Rockets had incredible duels . Tuckers 2018 NBA playoff sneakers, James Harden is disrespecting the unwritten rules of the game. Tucker in Brooklyn& PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are two professional basketball players who have played together on multiple teams throughout their careers. Durant is one of the best scorers in the NBA, and Tucker is known for his defensive prowess. The Bucks and Nets found themselves in a rock fight on Thursday, with Milwaukee taking an early 30-9 . Nobody wants to guard Kevin Durant. However, several league sources say Tucker will choose the Sixers' three-year, $30 million offer over opportunities to remain in Miami or go back to Milwaukee after free agency begins at 6 p.m . Kevin Durant and P.J. Wanda also shared a touching moment with KD after the game, hugging and consoling the player. 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PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are two professional basketball players who have a lot in common. Download and subscribe to the Dubs Talk Podcast, Draymond has hilarious reaction to KD-Tucker skirmish, Draymond's praise of Nets doesn't diminish Warriors' dynasty. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. After his junior season, Tucker was a second-team All-American and the Big 12 Player of the Year. 90. I respect [Los Angeles Clippers guard] Pat [Beverley] for stepping up and saying, I got him [in the first round]. This series was memorable, but it's time to move on for both franchises. Aldridge was named to the NBA All-Star team in 2013 and 2015, as well as to the 2013 and 2017 All-Star teams. Now d it again. Ouch. We bet on him. Tucker was a freshman when Durant was a sophomore and the two formed a formidable partnership on the court. Given the stakes at hand this series, both Durant and Tucker wereinvolved in some chippy scuffles throughout. Tucker is siding with Kevin Durant. Im living my dream right now guarding Kevin Durant in the NBA playoffs.. Vin Diesel and Post Malone Onboard to Feature at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game, Is Giannis Antetokounmpo Playing Tonight Against the Bulls? Tucker a stage play. Story tips can be sent to Daniel.Canova@fox.com and on Twitter: @DanCanova. Tucker finally had the last laugh in this long-standing battle with Kevin Durant as the Milwaukee Bucks advance to the Eastern Conference Finals . It keeps me going. Brooklyn leads the series two-games-to-one with Game 4 scheduled for Sunday in Milwaukee. The Battle may have come to an end, but both teams put up a great show of basketball and gave the world of basketball a treat to watch. Tucker turned his attention to her to say, 'I love you,' and creating one of the best moments of the night. "Hopefully I can move past it and get back out on the floor.". PJ Tucker and the rest of the college fraternity exhaled in anticipation of KDs arrival. He replied saying nah, its the playoffs. Both players have mutual respect for each other, and they are friends off the court. Recently, Shirley had the opportunity to speak with her son about his career. NBA Rising All-Stars Game 2023: Who Is Playing and Where to Watch? They didnt need me. There aren't many guys who can get under Durant's skin when he has the ball in his hands. Ajayi Browne. After P.J. By New Years Eve, I was starting, Tucker said. I cant believe TNT caught it. . I was done fighting, trying to prove myself, Tucker said. 0:00. PJ Tucker planned to spend the rest of his NBA career with the Miami Heat, but business got in the way. 4,763 Likes. His three All-Defensive First Team selections in 2014 and 2016 make him an All-Defensive First Team member for three straight years. That was crazy for me.. If the rumors are true, then PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are brothers who have found success in the NBA. Tucker and Kevin Durant's mom exchanged some words in a light-hearted moment during Game 7 on Saturday. PJ Tucker, along with other members of the college fraternity, waited with bated breath for KDs arrival. Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker are alumni of the same college in Texas. It sounds crazy, but this is my dream. Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. The game could've been a movie, the action on the sidelines a soap opera and the dialogue between Kevin Durant and his longtime friend P.J. , I try to help guys who are on the brink of getting out. Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker are alumni of the same college in Texas. You can really change games that way.. or redistributed. She was like hes not playing basketball; he playing football. HOUSTON P.J. All rights reserved. KD might be a grown man now but when someone plays dirty with him, his mom is still going to protect her son. There, Utah Jazz swingman Joe Ingles stood, watched and waited as the All-Star closed in.Butler's mission: peace.At this point, the quick wits, sharp tongues and competitive fires of both Butler and Ingles had been clashing for . My wife just had my son. Today was no different. P.J. Learn more and register here. Kudos to the refs, they were letting them talk. You dream about being in the playoffs and guarding the best player in the world. There is no definitive answer to this question as the two men have never openly discussed their relationship with one another. Josef Castillo is a basketball coach and the owner of a basketball blog called bashabearsbasketball.com. Alex Hinton breaks down his top NBA player prop picks for Wednesday, March 1, including plays on Donovan Mitchell and Jimmy Butler. You are going to come back and tell me, I wish I wouldve handled it different. Im trying to tell them about the sacrifice now because I did that.. In fact, Tucker went on to win the first championship of his career. Like, Ill die out there. Chris Paul won the Olympic gold medal with Chris Paul in 2012. From 2007-12, Tucker played in Israel, Ukraine, Italy, Greece, Montenegro, Puerto Rico, Germany and Russia. Tucker: Im living my dream right now guarding Kevin Durant, Why does P.J. Trust me. During the Nets second-round playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks last season, he had numerous more interactions with KD. I got him a few times like real, like some tough hits. However, during game 7 of the Nets vs Bucks last season, Tucker was involved in a famous trash-talking incident with Durants mom Wanda Durant. In the Rockets second-round matchup against the Warriors, it hasnt been easy. I enjoy it; hes the best scorer Ive ever seen in my life Thats my brother. Though they are not related by blood, the two have developed a strong bond both on and off the court. The Suns are absolutely loaded, and have the second-best odds to win the NBA title at BetMGM. Ive guarded him every year in the playoffs.. Report this user for behavior that violates our Community Guidelines. Game-Seven will air tomorrow, and there still is uncertainty whether Nets player Kyrie Irving will play. 2 min read. Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Kevin Durant felt he "fit in pretty well" during an impressive Phoenix Suns debut against the Charlotte Hornets but still feels under pressure to prove himself.. Durant scored 23 points in his first appearance for the Suns in a 105-91 win over the Hornets on Wednesday following his blockbuster trade from the Brooklyn Nets last month.. I couldnt get reps in practice. There is still uncertainty as to whether Irving will be able to play in Game Seven, which will air tomorrow. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 0:53. "I'm not the first one to get traded or ask for a trade. Alcorn State. That was a battle every single night. He claimed to be an NBA All-Star level player during his high school career as a forward for the Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rocketes. Phillip played college basketball at George Mason University. Durant and Tucker each were assessed technical fouls for the kerfuffle. Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets is defended by P.J. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. During the interview, he revealed what exactly did he say to Kevin Durants mom during game 7 of Nets vs Bucks. your username. Over there, it aint dropping 30 every night and being the man. However, Tucker managed to have a bit of fun with Durant's mother, Wanda Durant, during the third quarter of the game. I played both ends of the court. They really caught it. I was going to get paid a couple million [in Russia]. Tucker has always . Tucker exchange words during the second half of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference second-round playoff series at the Fiserv Forum on June 10, 2021 . They have kept in touch over the years and have even been known to exchange text messages during games. Report this User. But Tucker said his wife, Tracy, and his agent told him he should give the league one more try. It was just the start of Durant's day against Tucker, which ended with Durant scoring 28 points but making only nine of the 25 shots he attempted in the Bucks' 107-96 Game 4 victory. There have been many instances between Tucker and Durant that showcase their competitive nature and passion. A Football Management Me and Kevin fight every year I love guarding him. Tucker has been guarding either Lebron James or Kevin Durant every time hes faced off with their teams for years now. The media could not be played. He said he thinks about his gamble all the time and remembers guarding then-Oklahoma City star forward Kevin Durant during his first start on Dec. 31, 2012. I tell them, Youre going to remember this when youre on that bus in Europe, that you have older guys trying to help you see through this, and you wouldnt see that. Coming back? At the time of his tweet, Durant had just 11 points on 4-of-16 shooting and 0-of-2 from 3-point range. I got the utmost respect for Kevin, Tucker said. Durant said something after the call by the refs and Tucker took exception, getting in Durant's face. The eight-year veteran is relishing his role after a humbling start to his career. It was both a heated and hilarious exchange between Tucker and Wanda at the same time. Rockets P.J. Im not backing down from nothing. Tucker put everything he had into his battle with Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant. Marc J. Spears is the senior NBA writer for Andscape. Wanda Durant unbuttoned her mask and declared, This is basketball, not football. He looked over to Durants mother and kissed her on the cheek, and she responded, I love you too. In the final seconds of the third period, he tied the game with a game-tying goal. Tucker delightfully complimented Kevin Durant after getting scored on. Tucker said he did everything wrong his rookie year and admitted his ego caused him to believe he was destined for NBA stardom instantly. All rights reserved. Id rather be here than be the last man on the bench in the NBA and never have a chance. They care about winning over there. The 63-year-old NBA icon, who appears in Coke Zero Sugar's March Madness campaign, tells PEOPLE that the idea of star players sitting out, with the intention of . In fact, Tucker not only called Durant the best scorer he has ever seen, but he said he dreamt to be in moments like this guarding one of .