why Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo hasnt been defending Durant. His career averages include 22.1 points, 10.3 assists, and 2.2 boards per game. However, this hasnt stopped Durant from lighting it up in the series. Alcorn State. , I wasnt playing. Chris Paul added 11 assists. Who Is Keith Appling, Former NBA Player Accused of Second Degree Murder? 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. We gt fac to fac. A player like Kevin, theres no time off, you cant relax for one second. When asked about how it feels to guard someone as close to unstoppable as KD, Tucker said, Its painful. Josef Castillo is a basketball coach and the owner of a basketball blog called bashabearsbasketball.com. Me and Kevin fight every year. , If it wasnt for my wife and my agent, I wouldnt have come back. P.J. Leonard, who was hit with a fine, was also suspended for a week. Earlier in the quarter, Draymond tweeted about the night Durant was having. Tucker: Im living my dream right now guarding Kevin Durant, Why does P.J. While his agent Andre Buck put an NBA out clause in the deal, Tucker was content being a star overseas. PJ Tucker on if he gets discouraged guarding Kevin Durant: "No. Me and Kevin fight every year I love guarding him. Wanda Durant wasn't happy with that and yelled at the player, telling him to play basketball. Yall stand there and I turn around. He is a superstar on his own terms, and he has helped him develop into one of the leagues best players. Cameron Johnson praises how the Brooklyn Nets showed resilience in Friday's comeback win over the Boston Celtics. Its the playoffs I dream about being in the playoffs guarding the best player in the world Im living my dream. 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. PJ Tuckers mother, Shirley Tucker, is a Durrant native. His three All-Defensive First Team selections in 2014 and 2016 make him an All-Defensive First Team member for three straight years. You dream about being in the playoffs and guarding the best player in the world. Carlos Garcia, Game 7 6/20/2021. During the third quarter, Tucker fouled Nets star Kevin Durant, sending him to the free-throw line. They're very close friends and care so much for one another. Report: Kevin Durant's 'personal bodyguard' pushed P.J. "It's basketball. Yet he had seven turnovers and wasn't as unstoppable as he was in Game 5 when he exploded for a 49-point . Author: But Tucker is making Durant work. They always push each other on the court, which is a big part of their chemistry. Returning to the court after recovering from a knee injury . In fact, Tucker and Durant faced each other in the conference semis . 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. NBA player P.J. This is supposed to be Americas sweetheart right? Tucker was a freshman when Durant was a sophomore and the two formed a formidable partnership on the court. Durant and Tucker each were assessed technical fouls for the kerfuffle. Lamarcus Aldridge and Kevin Durant both played college basketball for the Texas Longhorns, but not at the same time. PJ Tucker opens up on Kevin Durant and their fierce competition. I enjoy it; hes the best scorer Ive ever seen in my life Thats my brother. Tucker delightfully complimented Kevin Durant after getting scored on. However, the Bucks pushed the series to game-seven, where Tucker and Durant will have another opportunity to put everything on the line. She was like hes not playing basketball; he playing football. 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. PJ Tucker planned to spend the rest of his NBA career with the Miami Heat, but business got in the way. 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 I say, Im happy to be here. For real.. PJ Tucker, on the other hand, prevailed in the end. They have won multiple championships together, and their friendship has been well-documented. A mic'd-up P.J. Tucker is relishing the daunting challenge. All rights reserved. PJ Tucker recently appeared in an interview on JJ Redicks YouTube channel. Results reveal seven composites of closeness in interethnic friendship: disclosure, comfort, compatibility, reappraisal of the characters and other ethnic groups, support, similarity, and . Kevin Durants idol and strongest support is his mom. I dont know if Ive ever brought that much every single night, physically, emotionally, it was a toll. Legal Statement. Copyright 2023 YB Media, LLC. Like, Ill die out there. My wife just had my son. 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 . Somebodys shooting the freak, though. All rights reserved. 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. She said just give it one more shot. "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. People ask me why I play so hard. You feel like youre better than anybody. He told his mother that the city has been great to him and his family. Devin Booker scored 37 points and Deandre Ayton had 16 points and 16 rebounds in the Suns' seventh victory in 10 games. PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are two professional basketball players who have a lot in common. Bucks fans made Kevin Durant the villain on Thursday night. The eight-year veteran is relishing his role after a humbling start to his career. PJ cleared everything up following a game-six victory over the Nets. PJs mother was very happy to hear her sons positive attitude about his career and life in general. I dont understand all this little stuff. The pay cut Harden accepted created enough cap space to sign his former teammates and friends, P.J. , 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. Giannis Antetokounmpo Injury Update: Will Giannis Play in the All-Star Game? People see us fight, but they dont know we talk about regular stuff too. I got tired all of the stories about, He is a tweener. Tucker played for the Cleveland Cavaliers summer league team in 2007, but no NBA contract offers followed. It keeps me ticking. 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%. Tucker. 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. Market data provided by Factset. The former University of Texas star was the 35th overall pick in the second round of the 2006 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors. Tucker as the NBA's toughest one-on-one defender for him. I got him a few times like real, like some tough hits. Im thinking Im all-world, and that is how every college guy thinks that coming in. Tuckers 2018 NBA playoff sneakers, James Harden is disrespecting the unwritten rules of the game. He used to be able to dunk on you, but he hasnt been able to in years and his knees still hurt. 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. Who Is Mikal Bridges Girlfriend Grainger Rosati? />. This series was memorable, but it's time to move on for both franchises. championships in store before the former retires. I'm nt ging anywhere. Ajayi Browne. Rapaport posted screenshots of the conversation with Durant on Twitter. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. 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.. Im like, yeah, you right. P.J. Durants mother, Wanda, is a businesswoman. The Real MVP trash talk between Mama Durant and PJ Tucker revealed. Tucker. Hes the best scorer Ive ever seen in my life; I enjoy watching him play. Youre gonna get thrown out; then we cant play. 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 . 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 . Tucker had something of a contentious relationship throughout the Brooklyn . This league has gotten so soft, security ran on the court , Wait. 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. In response to a question posed on Twitter, Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant identified Houston Rockets forward P.J. However, Tucker has recently revealed the conversation he had with Wanda. This week Kevin Durant should make his debut with the Suns. Kyrie Irving Wrote a Message on His Shoes in His First Game for the Dallas Mavericks Despite Losing $11 Million Nike Deal. This of course, was a result of competitive spirit and nothing more as the two are great friends off the court. This rumor has never been confirmed, but the two players have a close relationship and often speak highly of each other in interviews. Durant even had a 49 point triple-double performance in the series where he played all 48 minutes. I love guarding him, said the 36-year-old Bucks forward. Tucker played for 20 minutes and finished with three . The Nets, of course, lost to the Bucks in the last seconds of the game. They are extremely close friends and are devoted to one another. Tucker is siding with Kevin Durant. PJ Tucker and the rest of the college fraternity exhaled in anticipation of KDs arrival. , I try to help guys who are on the brink of getting out. PJ Tucker on his relationship with Kevin Durant: Every year, we have a fight. Tucker and Durant were engaged in a serious duel throughout the series. This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission. However, this hasn't stopped Durant from lighting it up in the series. June 19, 2021 2:30 pm ET. Today was no different. Kevin Durant and P.J. Tucker (17) in the first quarter during game seven in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. If youre a winner, you can play forever over there.. KD might be a grown man now but when someone plays dirty with him, his mom is still going to protect her son. He doesnt have a position. I knew I could play. Emailed daily. I was done, man. Durant said something after the call by the refs and Tucker took exception, getting in Durant's face. Rockets coach Mike DAntoni said his team won Game 3 because of Tucker, who had 7 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks. Over the years, fans have speculated that the two dislike each other. So, I was talking crazy, and she was like I was in him (Durant), Tucker told JJ Redick. Tucker latches onto Kevin Durant every time both men step onto the hardwood together. P.J. Texas Southern. That is like a part of my job too. 291 replies 641 retweets 4,763 likes. Both players are around the same height and weight, and both have played for several different teams throughout their careers. There is still uncertainty as to whether Irving will be able to play in Game Seven, which will air tomorrow. Vote For Luka Doni To Make The 2020 NBA All-Star Team! NBA player P.J. But now Dan is like a big brother to me. 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. P.J. It sounds crazy, but this is my dream. Tucker put everything he had into his battle with Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant. Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. But Tucker said his wife, Tracy, and his agent told him he should give the league one more try. By New Years Eve, I was starting, Tucker said. "The Snake himself is now threatening me, bringing up my wife and wants to fight. Report this user for behavior that violates our Community Guidelines. 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. T. In the third quarter of Game 3 of the second-round NBA playoff series between the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum, former Warriors forward Kevin Durant was fouled by P.J . There is still uncertainty about whether or not Kyrie Irving will play in Game Seven on Wednesday, but he is expected to. Aldridge played for the Longhorns from 2002-2006, while Durant played for the Longhorns from 2006-2007. Welcome! He played college basketball for the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a two-time All-Big 12 honorable mention. I was like his prodigy. The Bucks beat the Nets to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals after two years, eliminating the biggest favorite to the title. PJ Tucker appeared on Iman Shumperts podcast two years ago. Game-Seven will air tomorrow, and there still is uncertainty whether Nets player Kyrie Irving will play. Given the stakes at hand this series, both Durant and Tucker wereinvolved in some chippy scuffles throughout. Durant is averaging 36.6 points per game in three contests against the Rockets. They had a little exchange after Tucker practically tackled Durant, sending the Nets forward to the free-throw line. The conversation must have been light-hearted because Tucker said I love you to Kevins mom and she replied in the sweetest way possible showing that the Banter was all in good spirit. Tucker finally had the last laugh in this long-standing battle with Kevin Durant as the Milwaukee Bucks advance to the Eastern Conference Finals . over the years where the two get into it during games. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Tucker, a defensive pest during that series, from the Heat in free agency, a move that left Philadelphia penalized by the NBA for . 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. 66. It was both a heated and hilarious exchange between Tucker and Wanda at the same time. 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. Story tips can be sent to Daniel.Canova@fox.com and on Twitter: @DanCanova. Tucker was crucial for the Bucks as he started 19 of the 23 games he played in the playoffs. Getty Brooklyn's Kevin Durant and Milwaukee's P.J. by Josef Castillo | Dec 25, 2022 | Famous Players. This season, however, the Semi-finals between the Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks was intense and it all came down to the wire in Game 7. Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker got right into each other's faces. PJ continued telling reporters about the respect he has for Durant. During the third quarter of the game, P.J. PJ Tucker on his relationship with Kevin Durant: Every year, we have a fight. Kevin Durant is an American professional basketball player for the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basketball Association. However, since joining the NBA, the duo has faced each other on several big occasions. 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. 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. Now d it again. It is especially so during the playoffs when he's more locked in than normal. Majerle called Tucker a man after my own heart for how hard he played and for taking all the tough defensive assignments. In 2018, Durants ESPN show "The Boardroom" had Rapaport on as a guest. I remember it. But Tucker is making Durant work. October 30, 2021 10:43 am ET. But Durant got the better of Tucker in game 7 and scored 48 points. Despite what it looks like on the court, PJ Tucker had nothing but good things to say about his rival Kevin Durant. In the 2017-18 NBA season, Durant . Butting Heads with LeBron James & All the Other Times Kevin Durant Showed His Anger. But Durants 48 points became the most in a game 7 in NBA postseason history. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Copyright 2023 YB Media, LLC. Dan told me, I want you to get the best player on every team and shut them down, Tucker said. I got successful. 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. PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are two professional basketball players who have played together on multiple teams throughout their careers. Tucker is averaging 3.4 personal fouls per game during the series and accumulated five while guarding Durant last night. When Durant was with the Warriors, Tucker couldnt get the better of him as the Rockets faced the Warriors several times in the postseason. KDs mom was seen shooting words at Tucker for hurting her son. PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are two of the best players in the NBA. PJ Tucker was a guest on Iman Shumperts podcast for two years ago. 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. I got drafted by Toronto, but they just took me because I was the best man on the board. Tucker said he sees the NBA through a different lens now and truly appreciates every single game he plays. PJ Tuckers relationship with Kevin Durant: Its every year that we fight. On Thursday, Durant addressed the exchange with Rapaport. Tucker has worked hard all series to get to Kevin Durant on the defensive end. My [NBA] minimum was so low. Rockets P.J. 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. He out there tackling them. Getty Brooklyn's Kevin Durant and Milwaukee's P.J. HOUSTON P.J. All he would need to do was defend and pass the . 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. Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. However, since joining the NBA, the duo has faced each other on several big occasions. The camera was on Tucker and Durants mom, Wanda, who was not too pleased about the foul on her son. Because hes happy to be here., P.J. I made my way overseas. But he will play it as if it were his last. Dan used to sic me on people. The two have complementary skillsets that have helped them form a successful partnership both on and off the court. However, Tucker got the better of Durant last season as the Bucks brushed past the Nets in the playoffs. Report this User. 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%. Miami Heat forward P.J. In addition to being a Michael Jordan fan, Abhishek is When Kevin asked for a trade after requesting one, Kyrie knew the stakes were raised, and hes worked diligently ever since to stay on top of things. A Football Management P.J. I gambled on myself, but I didnt want to. Tucker out of the way during an altercation involving Kevin Durant . 5 hours ago - via Twitter JGrasso_ Tucker -- playing hours after having root canals on three teeth he cracked during the Rockets' loss in Game 6 -- went 45 minutes, guarding Durant much of the time, and finished with 14 points, 12 . 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. Who are Kevin and Tucker friends? Milwaukee Bucks vs Chicago Bulls Injury Report, Expert Picks, Predictions, Expected Roster, and More Details | February 16 2023. H's gnna scre 50." This season, however, the Semi-finals between the Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks was intense and it all came down to the wire in Game 7. Vin Diesel and Post Malone Onboard to Feature at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game, Is Giannis Antetokounmpo Playing Tonight Against the Bulls? James Harden has also been shaky for the Nets since coming back from injury faster than expected. 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. However, it wasnt enough as the Nets crashed out of the series by losing 115111 in overtime. Tucker and Kevin Love have a long history of competing against each other in college and the NBA. It was tough being away from home, Tucker said. Following a win in Game 6 over the Nets, Milwaukee Bucks forward PJ Tucker praised Kevin Durant. 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 . Tucker in Brooklyn& The Nets 7-footer heard "F-k KD" chants in Milwaukee after a heated dust-up with Bucks forward P.J. When a prospective freshman named Kevin Durant visited the Austin campus, . I couldnt get reps in practice. WATCH THIS STORY: Butting Heads with LeBron James & All the Other Times Kevin Durant Showed His Anger. The two have been teammates on the USA Basketball team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Golden State Warriors. That was crazy for me.. Bettors are focusing on the latter. Tucker has two older brothers, Paul and Phillip. LaMarcus Aldridge is one of the NBAs all-time great players. Vote For Luka Doni To Make The 2020 NBA All-Star Team! PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant were teammates during their college days at the University of Texas. I really take pride in being a good vet and helping guys see the way. That was a decision I had made.. I love what I do. After his junior season, Tucker was a second-team All-American and the Big 12 Player of the Year. . Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Interest-Based Ads | EU Privacy Rights | Cookie Policy | Manage Preferences. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Always free! After P.J. He told the 36-year-old that he was an NBA All-Star level player as a junior in high school. And on March 24, 2007, Tucker was stunned when he was waived by the Raptors to open up a roster spot. 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. Seven years later, Tucker is still in the NBA and guarding Durant. Saturday was an important day for the Brooklyn Nets and the . Emailed daily. Buck said Tucker reluctantly exercised his out clause in Russia and signed with the Suns on Aug. 1, 2013. Subscribe to our YouTube chann. It keeps me strong. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. I made my name over there. NBA Trade Rumors: Insider Believes Rift Between Anthony Davis and LeBron James Could Leave to DallasMavericksMove. the AFC Champions League. The Nets weren't able to take down theBucks on Thursday, falling 86-83 as Durant's potential game-tying 3-pointer at the buzzer clanked off the back of the rim. The Suns are +450 to win a championship. New conversation. "He didn't do nothing wrong," Tucker told the website. Tucker said he did everything wrong his rookie year and admitted his ego caused him to believe he was destined for NBA stardom instantly. You have to learn how to play over there. 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.