The two have been teammates on the USA Basketball team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Golden State Warriors. LeBron James: Spoiled Or Inspiring Role Model? They always push each other on the court, which is a big part of their chemistry. Over the last few months, more videos on YouTube showed PJ clearly loving going against KD and constantly pushing him around on the court. I love my role. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Alex Hinton breaks down his top NBA player prop picks for Wednesday, March 1, including plays on Donovan Mitchell and Jimmy Butler. Also Read:NBA Playoffs: Is Kawhi Leonard playing in Game 1 vs Phoenix Suns, MANORCO PVT LTD 2022 | All Rights Reserved. 0:00. Me and Kevin fight every year. He played one season of college basketball for the University of Texas at Austin, where he was named the National Player of the Year. In 2012, he led Brose Baskets Bamberg to a Basketball Bundesliga championship in Germany after averaging 16.2 points and 7.1 rebounds and earned Finals MVP honors. I got the utmost respect for Kevin, Tucker said. One player Tucker has been mentoring is seldom-used forward Gary Clark, who was kept on the roster this season over 10-time All-Star Carmelo Anthony. 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. I was like, Im about to have my first NBA start. I was just in Germany, and nobody was thinking about me starting in an NBA game. Brooklyn leads the series two-games-to-one with Game 4 scheduled for Sunday in Milwaukee. Hes the best scorer Ive ever seen in my life; I enjoy watching him play. Tucker out of the way during an altercation involving Kevin Durant . PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are two professional basketball players who have a lot in common. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. However, since joining the NBA, the duo has faced each other on several big occasions. Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. PJ Tucker on his relationship with Kevin Durant: Every year, we have a fight. I dont understand all this little stuff. Its the playoffs, said Tucker. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. And he was a fan favorite in Milwaukee despite not being a regular starter initially. I dont know what people think. The prospect of recruiting the nations second-best player was something that every coach wanted to pursue. The two were cursing and throwing insults at each other and the former NBA MVP called Rapaport a "fkin pale ck sucker.". They helped the Longhorns reach the NCAA tournament in 2006 and 2007, with Durant being named the tournaments Most Outstanding Player in 2007. Though they are not related by blood, the two have developed a strong bond both on and off the court. LeBron James: Spoiled Or Inspiring Role Model? It was both a heated and hilarious exchange between Tucker and Wanda at the same time. However, this hasn't stopped Durant from lighting it up in the series. Kevin Durant was the most widely regarded prospect among all forwards in the 2003 NBA draft. "I'm not the first one to get traded or ask for a trade. Now d it again. Thats not really what I want people to see and hear from me," Durant said. Following a win in Game 6 over the Nets, Milwaukee Bucks forward PJ Tucker praised Kevin Durant. Durant and Rapaport have had a relationship in the past. Tucker has two older brothers, Paul and Phillip. Dan Majerle was already one of my favorite players. Chris Paul and Tucker have been friends since the were teenagers, a fact that made Paul's injury in last season's . The eight-year veteran is relishing his role after a humbling start to his career. Given the stakes at hand this series, both Durant and Tucker wereinvolved in some chippy scuffles throughout. He doesnt have a position. I knew I could play. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Please check your email for a confirmation. However, Tucker cleared up any assumptions of the two sharing bad blood. P.J. He told his mother that the city has been great to him and his family. Im fighting for every inch. If the Rockets are to upset the champs, Tuckers defense and overall play against his fellow former Longhorn will likely have played a key role. Despite Tucker's solid defense, Durant still scored 32 points to go along with 11 rebounds. "Hopefully I can move past it and get back out on the floor.". She said just give it one more shot. Yet he had seven turnovers and wasn't as unstoppable as he was in Game 5 when he exploded for a 49-point . This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission. When Kevin Durant decided to join the Golden State Warriors in 2016, he spoke with Paul about his decision. There is still uncertainty as to whether Irving will be able to play in Game Seven, which will air tomorrow. He even held him to 3-for-12 shooting while being his primary defender in game-four of the series. It's like 'OK man, that was incredible, yu made that. ", JAZZ PLAYERS RECALL TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE AFTER EMERGENCY PLANE LANDING: 'THIS MIGHT BE REALLY THE END'. Both Tucker and Durant were born to African-American mothers. By New Years Eve, I was starting, Tucker said. I remember it. When a prospective freshman named Kevin Durant visited the Austin campus, however, Tucker felt his . PJs mother was very happy to hear her sons positive attitude about his career and life in general. by Josef Castillo | Dec 25, 2022 | Famous Players. "It's basketball. pic.twitter.com/wB4IvtAUxv. You dream about being in the playoffs and guarding the best player in the world. Rapaport later posted a clip from the show of the two talking about seats for the NBA Finals while Durant was with the Golden State Warriors. Tucker Q&A: Bucks Trade, Guarding James Harden and More The new Milwaukee forward opens up to The Crossover about getting traded and playing with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Kelly Olynyk, Full Spectrum Services LLP 2022 | All Rights Reserved. They are extremely close friends and are devoted to one another. Over there, it aint dropping 30 every night and being the man. I played both ends of the court. One might say the series between the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets truly became a series when P.J. That was a decision I had made.. We bet on him. Log into your account. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. And its big-boy basketball. 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. Tucker, who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks, told TMZ Sports on Wednesday that hes on Durants side. Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. D it again.' Bcause I'm nt gnna stop. Throughout the series, he's averaging 33.3 PPG, 10.8 RPG, and 5.3 APG while having a 50.3 FG% and 34.9 3PT%. I said I love you mom and she right in stride, she says I love you too. PJ Tucker was a guest on Iman Shumperts podcast for two years ago. One of the most interesting and most vital matchups in the series is that of Kevin Durant versus P.J. your password The two have complementary skillsets that have helped them form a successful partnership both on and off the court. Durant, of course, previously played with the Golden State Warriors, who faced Tucker and the Rockets in the past two NBA playoffs. After his junior season, Tucker was a second-team All-American and the Big 12 Player of the Year. HOUSTON P.J. Report this User. an ardent Steph Curry and Warriors guy, and believes they have a few more This article first appeared on Sideline Sources and was syndicated with permission. Durant even had a 49 point triple-double performance in the series where he played all 48 minutes. Also Read:NBA Playoffs: Is Chris Paul playing in Game 1 vs the Los Angeles Clippers? The camera was on Tucker and Durants mom, Wanda, who was not too pleased about the foul on her son. Coming back? People see us fight, but they dont know we talk about regular stuff too. Who Is Mikal Bridges Girlfriend Grainger Rosati? But Tucker is making Durant work. Tucker said he has nothing but love for Durant. Im living my dream right now guarding Kevin Durant in the NBA playoffs.. During the Nets second-round playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks last season, he had numerous more interactions with KD. I respect [Los Angeles Clippers guard] Pat [Beverley] for stepping up and saying, I got him [in the first round]. 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. Earlier in the quarter, Draymond tweeted about the night Durant was having. 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. He also had four stints that season playing in the NBA Development League with the now-defunct Colorado 14ers. 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 . why Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo hasnt been defending Durant. Bettors are focusing on the latter. He told the 36-year-old that he was an NBA All-Star level player as a junior in high school. Tucker and Blanks were actually friends with University of Texas ties. EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 14: PJ Tucker #44 handles the ball during a scrimmage at the 2019 USA Men's National Team World Cup training camp at UCLA Health Training Center on August 14, 2019 . I love what I do. Kevin Durant's mom Wanda offers flirty message to P.J. 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. But now that Rapaport exposed Durant on social media, in the social justice conscious NBA, what -- if any -- will be the league's reaction. The two-time NBA champion talked about what he likes in Booker's game and what he expects from playing on the same team with him. I'm nt ging anywhere. Somebodys shooting the freak, though. 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 . Two Longhorns went nose to nose Thursday night, and Draymond Green was amused by the whole scene. 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. Trust me. I went from 15th man and non-guarantee contracts to starting. Brooklyn received unprotected picks in 2023, 2025 . PJ cleared everything up following a game-six victory over the Nets. I don't look at myself or my status in the league that I can't go through what other players in the league go through." Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets is defended by P.J. Kyrie Irving Wrote a Message on His Shoes in His First Game for the Dallas Mavericks Despite Losing $11 Million Nike Deal. The Bucks beat the Nets to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals after two years, eliminating the biggest favorite to the title. Tucker and Kevin Durant got into it at the 4-minute, 21-second mark of third quarter in Game . Jun 19, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) controls the ball against Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. She was like hes not playing basketball; he playing football. 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 . However, Tucker got the better of Durant last season as the Bucks brushed past the Nets in the playoffs. F inal. Throughout the series, Tucker has been a constant thorn in Durants side on the defensive end. Every coach in the country wanted to sign the nations second-best player to their college program. He will be playing alongside Devin Booker, a player he has been following since college. Me and Kevin fight every year I love guarding him. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports. PJ told his mother that he is very happy with his current situation with the Houston Rockets. 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. 90. Tucker has been going after Durant on the defensive end all series long, and he has done well against Durant. I made my name over there. They really caught it. But Durant got the better of Tucker in game 7 and scored 48 points. . Vin Diesel and Post Malone Onboard to Feature at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game, Is Giannis Antetokounmpo Playing Tonight Against the Bulls? Tucker Is Happy Being the Underdog. 0:53. PJ Tucker, on the other hand, prevailed in the end. Draymond has hilarious reaction to KD-Tucker skirmish. If youre a winner, you can play forever over there.. Kevin and Kyrie have been close friends since their days together, as they have both been through rough times. USA TODAY. They have kept in touch over the years and have even been known to exchange text messages during games. Buck said Tucker reluctantly exercised his out clause in Russia and signed with the Suns on Aug. 1, 2013. PJ made it clear that he loves going against KD, constantly pushing each other on the court. This week Kevin Durant should make his debut with the Suns. Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report. At the time of his tweet, Durant had just 11 points on 4-of-16 shooting and 0-of-2 from 3-point range. The media could not be played. 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. The former Houston Rockets had incredible duels against Kevin Durant during the entire series. 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. 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 . You love to see these moments to find out how intense the playoffs are. All rights reserved. 66. Aldridge played for the Longhorns from 2002-2006, while Durant played for the Longhorns from 2006-2007. There is no definitive answer to this question as the two men have never spoken publicly about their relationship, if any. Meanwhile, Phoenix sent them Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four first-round picks, and a 2028 pick swap for Durant and T.J. Warren. If NBA broadcasters ever wanted to offer an uncensored, mic'd-up option to watch entire games, people would . I was like, I am going to turn this money down? It was for way less money, Tucker said. Even with a couple of slow games against the Los Angeles Clippers, Durant wasn't really bothered by the defense or antics of Patrick . Kevin Durant And PJ Tucker Got Into It After A Foul And A Nets Security Guard Pushed Tucker. PJ Tucker is a well-known basketball player who has played for various teams throughout his career. It is undeniable that PJ and Durant have had their fair share of viral clips over the years where the two get into it during games. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Kevin Durant scored 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting in his Suns debut, helping Phoenix snap the Charlotte Hornets' five-game winning streak with a wire-to-wire 105-91 victory Wednesday night. Tucker was so intense that even KD's mom had to step in and call him out after a hard foul. Subscribe to our YouTube chann. However, it wasnt enough as the Nets crashed out of the series by losing 115111 in overtime. Kevin Durant is one of the leagues most talented players, and his best friend, Kyrie Irving, is also one of the leagues most talented players. Tucker as the NBA's toughest one-on-one defender for him. The former Houston Rockets had incredible duels . NBA player P.J. Tucker is siding with Brooklyn Nets starKevin Durant. Milwaukee Bucks vs Chicago Bulls Injury Report, Expert Picks, Predictions, Expected Roster, and More Details | February 16 2023. Always free! Dorian Finney-Smith is relieved to finally being able to hit some shots. PJ Tuckers relationship with Kevin Durant: Its every year that we fight. Tucker have been going head to head for years now, especially in the Playoffs. All rights reserved. So Soft: Twitter Reacts as Kevin Durant Gets Ejected for Elbowing Pistons #ImDaRealMVP. The veteran wing defender makes it his personal mission to try and stop the man that he considers to be . Always free! Everybody dreams about scoring 30, getting the game-winner. Youre gonna get thrown out; then we cant play. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Emailed daily. Chris Paul added 11 assists. "He didn't do nothing wrong," Tucker told the website. NBA Rising All-Stars Game 2023: Who Is Playing and Where to Watch? , The #Bucks were able to sneak out a 3-point victory over the #Nets to make it a 2-1 series.pic.twitter.com/8Gysk4Dk3q, Designated Report (@DesignatedRpt) June 11, 2021. Tucker and Durant were engaged in a serious duel throughout the series. Getty Brooklyn's Kevin Durant and Milwaukee's P.J. Tucker has had minimal success guarding Kevin Durant, it will be interesting to see if Antetokounmpo will attempt to go star-on . PJ Tuckers mother, Shirley Tucker, is a Durrant native. You feel like youre better than anybody. PJ Tucker is an American professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association. Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker had a contentious relationship. Kevin Durant's mom, Wanda, starred in a heated and hilarious exchange with PJ Tucker during Game 7 of the Brooklyn Nets-Milwaukee Bucks series. My bad., A post shared by Sideline Sources (@sidelinesources). Draymond, who believes Durant and the Nets will go deep in the playoffs, couldn't believe security guards were needed for this skirmish. 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. Recently, Shirley had the opportunity to speak with her son about his career. The guys that are trying to make it and the G League guys coming up, I try to help them as much as possible, Tucker said. championships in store before the former retires. Wanda Durant wasn't happy with that and yelled at the player, telling him to play basketball. But now Dan is like a big brother to me. Tucker is averaging 3.4 personal fouls per game during the series and accumulated five while guarding Durant last night. You have to learn how to play over there. Tucker put everything he had into his battle with Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant. 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 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. In addition to being close friends, Kyrie and Kevin have dealt with a lot together. That is like a part of my job too. The Nets, of course, lost to the Bucks in the last seconds of the game. (Durants) like, stop fighting with Blake. Im like, yeah, you right. Its crazy., Said Buck: We took a chance. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM. There is no definitive answer to this question as the two men have never openly discussed their relationship with one another. Tucker play so hard? NBA Playoffs: Is Kawhi Leonard playing in Game 1 vs Phoenix Suns. Im thinking Im all-world, and that is how every college guy thinks that coming in. Durant is one of the best scorers in the NBA, and Tucker is known for his defensive prowess. 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. I was done fighting, trying to prove myself, Tucker said. Follow my new media channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCifzXFn_pHz-kkU9vVTSM0w PC Upgrade Donation - https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/1storm I hope for. Thats why the day seemed so long.