Right now, while Im in the playoffs, I dont try to look back at it, Tucker told The Undefeated. But Durant got the better of Tucker in game 7 and scored 48 points. We compete; we fight every game were going to fight again game seven.. Jackson State. Thats not really what I want people to see and hear from me," Durant said. . People see us fight, but they dont know we talk about regular stuff too. That is like a part of my job too. Grown men. The Suns are +450 to win a championship. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports. So, I was talking crazy, and she was like I was in him (Durant), Tucker told JJ Redick. 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 . There is still uncertainty about whether or not Kyrie Irving will play in Game Seven on Wednesday, but he is expected to. However, Tucker has recently revealed the conversation he had with Wanda. It keeps me going. If youre a winner, you can play forever over there.. The camera was on Tucker and Durants mom, Wanda, who was not too pleased about the foul on her son. Id rather be the man in Europe and win that respect. The 34-year-old says it is important for him to share his story with young players, especially when they get frustrated or their egos get in the way. I take pride in it. His three All-Defensive First Team selections in 2014 and 2016 make him an All-Defensive First Team member for three straight years. over the years where the two get into it during games. He feels that the team has a great chance to win a championship this season. PJs mother was very happy to hear her sons positive attitude about his career and life in general. 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 . "I'm not the first one to get traded or ask for a trade. The Durant era in Phoenix got off to solid start Wednesday night with the 13-time NBA All-Star scoring 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting, adding an In the 2017-18 NBA season, Durant . PJ Tucker tell JJ Redick what exactly he said to Kevin Durant's mom during The Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks playoff game. LeBron James: Spoiled Or Inspiring Role Model? Tucker got into a verbal confrontation during Milwaukee . PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are two of the best players in the NBA. K is having a miserable night! During the third quarter, Tucker fouled Nets star Kevin Durant, sending him to the free-throw line. His career averages include 22.1 points, 10.3 assists, and 2.2 boards per game. While Tucker fully expected to play in Russia in the fall of 2012, he accepted an offer from the Phoenix Suns to play for their summer league team. Seven years later, Tucker is still in the NBA and guarding Durant. PJ Tucker, along with other members of the college fraternity, waited with bated breath for KDs arrival. Shes going at me and I hear her. I love guarding him, said the 36-year-old Bucks forward. Can you name every NBA starting player (according to ESPN.com)? Durant is averaging 36.6 points per game in three contests against the Rockets. This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission. The Controversy Surrounding LeBron Jamess Instruction To His Mother During A Post-Game Press Conference: An Analysis, The Phenomenal Polyglot: Uncovering LeBron James Multilingualism, Uncovering The Remarkable PPG Of Lebron James: Exploring His Incomparable Offensive Prowess, The King Of The Court: An Ode To LeBron James And His Record-Breaking Career, The Phenomenal LeBron James Matt: 35 Years Of Inspiration And Success. P.J. 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 . Durant is averaging 36.6 points per game in three contests against the Rockets. While his agent Andre Buck put an NBA out clause in the deal, Tucker was content being a star overseas. that peaked in the third quarter when a pair of former texas longhorns got tangled, as kevin durant and pj tucker came face to face to have words from a very close proximity after tucker got. 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. All rights reserved. Tucker had something of a contentious relationship throughout the Brooklyn . 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The two were cursing and throwing insults at each other and the former NBA MVP called Rapaport a "fkin pale ck sucker.". Tucker incident, Nets security guard tied to Kevin Durant is suspended for rest of series - Joe Vardon, Eric Nehm . Durant will need to show up big again, as the Nets have already ruled out Kyrie Irving and James Harden is clearly not playing like himself as he has only scored 14 points combined in his two games back. I love what I do. I got tired all of the stories about, He is a tweener. Abhishek is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports with over two years of When Durant was with the Warriors, Tucker couldnt get the better of him as the Rockets faced the Warriors several times in the postseason. Twelve years ago, he thought hed already played in his last game in the NBA when he was waived as a rookie in Toronto. HOUSTON P.J. A mic'd-up P.J. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. NBA player P.J. Bettors are focusing on the latter. Bucks fans made Kevin Durant the villain on Thursday night. PJ Tucker is listed as Probable due to calf tightness after missing the second half of Monday's game. The Nets, of course, lost to the Bucks in the last seconds of the game. In fact, Tucker never got to play with Durant at Texas, instead going to the NBA just before the All-Star arrived. Brooklyn leads the series two-games-to-one with Game 4 scheduled for Sunday in Milwaukee. Vote For Luka Doni To Make The 2020 NBA All-Star Team! He was able to have more face time with KD on the court during last seasons second round, when the Nets faced the Milwaukee Bucks. Tucker has two older brothers, Paul and Phillip. Tuckers 2018 NBA playoff sneakers, James Harden is disrespecting the unwritten rules of the game. By New Years Eve, I was starting, Tucker said. The NBA is gaining more backlash as star players continue to sit out games, and basketball legend Magic Johnson agrees with the criticism. Kevin Durant and P.J. championships in store before the former retires. He said he learned how to play professional basketball while overseas. Returning to the court after recovering from a knee injury . I was done, man. KD might be a grown man now but when someone plays dirty with him, his mom is still going to protect her son. But I didnt know what it meant to be a pro.. 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. He only made it to the NCAA tournament once. 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. I'm nt ging anywhere. Most of the guys who think like that dont last over there. 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. 6:24 PM - 10 Jun 2021. He was able to have more face time with KD on the court during last season's second round, when the Nets faced the Milwaukee Bucks.. Kevin Durant was the most widely regarded prospect among all forwards in the 2003 NBA draft.PJ Tucker and the rest of the college fraternity . When a prospective freshman named Kevin Durant visited the Austin campus, however, Tucker felt his . It sounds crazy, but this is my dream. by Josef Castillo | Dec 28, 2022 | Famous Players. If they are not related, they are still close friends who have a lot of respect for each other. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. I got successful. Tucker have been going head to head for years now, especially in the Playoffs. If the rumors are true, then PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are brothers who have found success in the NBA. Throughout the series, hes averaging 33.3 PPG, 10.8 RPG, and 5.3 APG while having a 50.3 FG% and 34.9 3PT%. He used to be able to dunk on you, but he hasnt been able to in years and his knees still hurt. In fact, Tucker not only called Durant the best scorer he has . He out there tackling them. , 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. However, Tucker got the better of Durant last season as the Bucks brushed past the Nets in the playoffs. That was crazy for me.. Dorian Finney-Smith is relieved to finally being able to hit some shots. Going back to Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker's war of words, the Bucks swingman still had the last laugh after Milwaukee edged the Nets, 124-118. Leonard, who was hit with a fine, was also suspended for a week. Its the playoffs, said Tucker. After P.J. Wanda Durant wasn't happy with that and yelled at the player, telling him to play basketball. Dan told me, I want you to get the best player on every team and shut them down, Tucker said. But Tucker said his wife, Tracy, and his agent told him he should give the league one more try. On Thursday, Durant addressed the exchange with Rapaport. Hes the best scorer Ive ever seen in my life; I enjoy watching him play. The Nets 7-footer heard "F-k KD" chants in Milwaukee after a heated dust-up with Bucks forward P.J. The former Houston Rockets had incredible duels . Tucker has been guarding either Lebron James or Kevin Durant every time hes faced off with their teams for years now. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, My bad., A post shared by Sideline Sources (@sidelinesources). Over the years, fans have speculated that the two dislike each other. Tucker said he has nothing but love for Durant. D it again.' Bcause I'm nt gnna stop. You love to see these moments to find out how intense the playoffs are. Draymond has hilarious reaction to KD-Tucker skirmish. PJ Tuckers mother, Shirley Tucker, is a Durrant native. At the time of his tweet, Durant had just 11 points on 4-of-16 shooting and 0-of-2 from 3-point range. He has had a successful career since leaving Austin, having been a three-time All-Star and a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player since returning there. You feel like youre better than anybody. Dan Majerle was already one of my favorite players. People ask me why I play so hard. 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.. I dont know what people think. PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are two professional basketball players who have played together on multiple teams throughout their careers. There is no definitive answer to this question as the two men have never spoken publicly about their relationship, if any. 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. PJ cleared everything up following a game-six victory over the Nets. Tucker was so intense that even KD's mom had to step in and call him out after a hard foul. Bryn Forbes Wife and Kids: Is Forbes Married? Fox News Flash top headlines are here. I respect [Los Angeles Clippers guard] Pat [Beverley] for stepping up and saying, I got him [in the first round]. I told Rick Barnes on his visit when he was a junior in high school, hes going to be the best player Ive ever seen in my life., Sign up for the Nets Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. I was like his prodigy. Earlier in the quarter, Draymond tweeted about the night Durant was having. Report this user for behavior that violates our Community Guidelines. There is no definitive answer to this question as the two men have never openly discussed their relationship with one another. Tucker was a freshman when Durant was a sophomore and the two formed a formidable partnership on the court. I got him a few times like real, like some tough hits. 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. There is still uncertainty as to whether Irving will be able to play in Game Seven, which will air tomorrow. Alcorn State. "I receive threats and disgusting messages DAILY, but never in my wildest dreams did I think @KDTrey5 would be among them," Rapaport wrote on Twitter. The pay cut Harden accepted created enough cap space to sign his former teammates and friends, P.J. Tucker as the NBA's toughest one-on-one defender for him. PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant were teammates during their college days at the University of Texas. Tucker has worked hard all series to get to Kevin Durant on the defensive end. Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report. Its the playoffs I dream about being in the playoffs guarding the best player in the world Im living my dream. KDs mom was seen shooting words at Tucker for hurting her son. Then-Suns general manager Lance Blanks offered Tucker a non-guaranteed training camp invite during summer league play. I dont know if Ive ever brought that much every single night, physically, emotionally, it was a toll. A Football Management Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. wo Longhorns went nose to nose Thursday night, and Draymond Green was amused by the whole scene. But Tucker is making Durant work. She said just give it one more shot. There aren't many guys who can get under Durant's skin when he has the ball in his hands. The playoffs this year have been a roller-coaster ride. The friendship between Tucker and Durant is a testament to the power of college basketball. He will be playing alongside Devin Booker, a player he has been following since college. Tucker is relishing the daunting challenge. Who Is Bryn Forbes Girlfriend and What Does She Do? src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=674090812743125&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/>. One of the most interesting and most vital matchups in the series is that of Kevin Durant versus P.J. Tucker: Grabs season-high 16 boards Tucker contributed seven points (2-7 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 16 rebounds and one assist over 38 minutes during Saturday's 110-107 loss to the Celtics. or redistributed. 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. USA TODAY. This series was memorable, but it's time to move on for both franchises. Tonight, Kevin Durant will take the floor for the first time as . This rumor has never been confirmed, but the two players have a close relationship and often speak highly of each other in interviews. A player like Kevin, theres no time off, you cant relax for one second. They really caught it. Though they are not related by blood, the two have developed a strong bond both on and off the court. Hes one of the best goal-scorers in the world, and I enjoy watching him play. Kevin Durant was the most widely regarded prospect among all forwards in the 2003 NBA draft. H's gt 50. 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. October 30, 2021 10:43 am ET. Tucker a stage play. This week Kevin Durant should make his debut with the Suns. Story tips can be sent to Daniel.Canova@fox.com and on Twitter: @DanCanova. It was the first overtime game in the NBA since 2006 and the first in a series since 1987. 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. Although Tucker didnt average eye-popping numbers (5.8 points and 6.2 rebounds in 21.6 minutes per game), then-Suns summer league coach and former Suns star Dan Majerle loved him. Draymond, who believes Durant and the Nets will go deep in the playoffs, couldn't believe security guards were needed for this skirmish. Vote For Luka Doni To Make The 2020 NBA All-Star Team! However, it wasnt enough as the Nets crashed out of the series by losing 115111 in overtime. journalistic experience with Chase Your Sport and Dribl. This is just a game at the end of the day, and both players know that, just like Mrs. Durant. Tucker went from one-and-done in the NBA to an eight-year veteran who has made $26 million in the league. This is something I want to do. Durant and Tucker each were assessed technical fouls for the kerfuffle. Subscribe to our YouTube chann. the belief in Brooklyn was that Simmons was set up for greatness playing alongside elite scorers Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. 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. Both players are around the same height and weight, and both have played for several different teams throughout their careers. Following a win in Game 6 over the Nets, Milwaukee Bucks forward PJ Tucker praised Kevin Durant. Dan Canova is a sports reporter for Fox News Digital. Everybody dreams about scoring 30, getting the game-winner. NBA Playoffs: Is Chris Paul playing in Game 1 vs the Los Angeles Clippers? All he would need to do was defend and pass the . They're very close friends and care so much for one another. New conversation. The prospect of recruiting the nations second-best player was something that every coach wanted to pursue. NBA Rising All-Stars Game 2023: Who Is Playing and Where to Watch? Tucker. Kevin Durants idol and strongest support is his mom. Cameron Johnson praises how the Brooklyn Nets showed resilience in Friday's comeback win over the Boston Celtics. They care about winning over there. 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. Tucker and Kevin Durants mom exchanged some words in a light-hearted moment during Game 7 on Saturday. Hes the best scorer Ive ever seen in my life. PJ Tucker opens up on Kevin Durant and their fierce competition. Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker are alumni of the same college in Texas. Also Read:NBA Playoffs: Is Chris Paul playing in Game 1 vs the Los Angeles Clippers? So Soft: Twitter Reacts as Kevin Durant Gets Ejected for Elbowing Pistons 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Milwaukee Bucks vs Chicago Bulls Injury Report, Expert Picks, Predictions, Expected Roster, and More Details | February 16 2023. Durant will make his Phoenix Suns debut on Wednesday night, and one of the more anticipated experiments in the NBA this season will get off the ground. I cant wait to guard Kevin Durant. NBA player P.J. Every coach in the country wanted to sign the nations second-best player to their college program. 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 signed a two-year deal in Russia for all the money. He told his mother that the city has been great to him and his family. "The Snake himself is now threatening me, bringing up my wife and wants to fight. Vin Diesel and Post Malone Onboard to Feature at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game, Is Giannis Antetokounmpo Playing Tonight Against the Bulls? Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets is defended by P.J. I was done fighting, trying to prove myself, Tucker said. I played hard. NBA Playoffs: Is Kawhi Leonard playing in Game 1 vs Phoenix Suns. Kevin Durant And PJ Tucker Got Into It After A Foul And A Nets Security Guard Pushed Tucker. Rapaport posted screenshots of the conversation with Durant on Twitter. This of course, was a result of competitive spirit and nothing more as the two are great friends off the court. Over there, it aint dropping 30 every night and being the man. Kevin and Kyrie have been close friends since their days together, as they have both been through rough times. 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 and Durant were engaged in a serious duel throughout the series. your password PJ told his mother that he is very happy with his current situation with the Houston Rockets. H's gnna scre 50." 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.. Kevin Durant also addressed Tuckers physicality earlier in this series when asked if he thought it too aggressive. I really take pride in being a good vet and helping guys see the way. LaMarcus Aldridge is one of the NBAs all-time great players. Rockets coach Mike DAntoni said his team won Game 3 because of Tucker, who had 7 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks. PJ Tucker is an American professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association. I was comfortable with it. 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. Because hes happy to be here., P.J. Chris Paul and Tucker have been friends since the were teenagers, a fact that made Paul's injury in last season's . Rockets P.J. Recently, Shirley had the opportunity to speak with her son about his career. I got the utmost respect for Kevin, Tucker said. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM. "Hopefully I can move past it and get back out on the floor.". Tucker said he did everything wrong his rookie year and admitted his ego caused him to believe he was destined for NBA stardom instantly. 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. Tucker (17) in the first quarter during game seven in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. 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. PJ Tuckers relationship with Kevin Durant: Its every year that we fight. 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. This is supposed to be Americas sweetheart right? However, the Longhorns are different. One might say the series between the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets truly became a series when P.J. He played college basketball for the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a two-time All-Big 12 honorable mention. The eight-year veteran is relishing his role after a humbling start to his career. 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. Buck said Tucker reluctantly exercised his out clause in Russia and signed with the Suns on Aug. 1, 2013. I said I love you mom and she right in stride, she says I love you too. P.J. Always free! Tucker was drafted in the year (2006), and in the same year, Kevin Durant became the freshman at the University of Texas. How many calls were missed is still up for debate. Tucker is siding with Brooklyn Nets starKevin Durant. We dream about this our whole lives. When Kevin Durant decided to join the Golden State Warriors in 2016, he spoke with Paul about his decision. I played both ends of the court. But Tucker said he has nothing but love for Durant, as the two have squared off numerous times throughout their careers, especially in the playoffs. But now Dan is like a big brother to me. Im not backing down from nothing. 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. P.J. Its crazy., Said Buck: We took a chance. In fact, Tucker never got to play with Durant at Texas, instead going to the NBA just before the All-Star arrived. Furkan Korkmaz remains out due to personal reasons. Their time as teammates came to an end when Durant left Texas for the NBA after his sophomore year, but the bond between the two players remains strong. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Tucker has always . Me and Kevin fight every year I love guarding him. PJ Tucker on his relationship with Kevin Durant: Every year, we have a fight. #ImDaRealMVP. Theyre down 2. Tuckers mother, Sharon, is a retired teacher. She was like hes not playing basketball; he playing football. Trust me. 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. Kudos to the refs, they were letting them talk. But no one could decipher what Tucker really said to Wanda. 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. . It keeps me strong. But Durants 48 points became the most in a game 7 in NBA postseason history. The Bucks and Nets found themselves in a rock fight on Thursday, with Milwaukee taking an early 30-9 . 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. You can really change games that way.. Tucker play so hard? 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. Tucker during on-court dispute. 641 Retweets. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Interest-Based Ads | EU Privacy Rights | Cookie Policy | Manage Preferences. />. This league has gotten so soft, security ran on the court , Wait. 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 . PJ Tucker is a well-known basketball player who has played for various teams throughout his career.