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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. [ad_1] JIMMY BUTLER INTERRUPTED his pregame warmup and made a beeline toward half court. However, the Bucks pushed the series to game-seven, where Tucker and Durant will have another opportunity to put everything on the line. However, this hasnt stopped Durant from lighting it up in the series. From 2007-12, Tucker played in Israel, Ukraine, Italy, Greece, Montenegro, Puerto Rico, Germany and Russia. While his agent Andre Buck put an NBA out clause in the deal, Tucker was content being a star overseas. The eight-year veteran is relishing his role after a humbling start to his career. WATCH THIS STORY: Butting Heads with LeBron James & All the Other Times Kevin Durant Showed His Anger. Kevin Durant and LaMarcus Aldridge went to the same University of Texas school as each other, but they werent teammates during their college years. They are extremely close friends and are devoted to one another. Throughout the series, Tucker has been a constant thorn in Durants side on the defensive end. Me and Kevin fight every year I love guarding him. I know what I could do. 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. People see us fight, but they dont know we talk about regular stuff too. I respect [Los Angeles Clippers guard] Pat [Beverley] for stepping up and saying, I got him [in the first round]. The media could not be played. Tucker, who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks, told TMZ Sports on Wednesday that hes on Durants side. Though they are not related by blood, the two have developed a strong bond both on and off the court. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM. Getty Brooklyn's Kevin Durant and Milwaukee's P.J. Youre gonna get thrown out; then we cant play. There have been many instances between Tucker and Durant that showcase their competitive nature and passion. Me and Kevin fight every year. All rights reserved. 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 . Right now, while Im in the playoffs, I dont try to look back at it, Tucker told The Undefeated. Tricking myslf bcause he's killing m. He told the 36-year-old that he was an NBA All-Star level player as a junior in high school. Market data provided by Factset. All rights reserved. However, since joining the NBA, the duo has faced each other on several big occasions. why Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo hasnt been defending Durant. Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker had a contentious relationship. Copyright 2023 YB Media, LLC. Majerle called Tucker a man after my own heart for how hard he played and for taking all the tough defensive assignments. I made my way overseas. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Jackson State. Tucker, Danuel House Jr., and Montrezl Harrell in free agency. After P.J. Its crazy., Said Buck: We took a chance. 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. 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. Bettors are focusing on the latter. I was comfortable with it. 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. However, Tucker got the better of Durant last season as the Bucks brushed past the Nets in the playoffs. There is no definitive answer to this question as the two men have never openly discussed their relationship with one another. All rights reserved. But now Dan is like a big brother to me. I got tired all of the stories about, He is a tweener. Ive guarded him every year in the playoffs.. Saturday was an important day for the Brooklyn Nets and the . 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 . KD might have put up a record-breaking 40+ points in Game 7 but Tucker made KD work for it. Given the stakes at hand this series, both Durant and Tucker wereinvolved in some chippy scuffles throughout. Miami Heat forward P.J. Durant and Tucker had to be separated by the other players on the court, Milwaukee coachesand security even had to run onto the court to make sure the incident didn't escalate. It keeps me going. But it makes me super humble to be here with every game, every moment. A player like Kevin, theres no time off, you cant relax for one second. They went at it every single game, showing their competitive spirits in every single game. , If it wasnt for my wife and my agent, I wouldnt have come back. Tucker has worked hard all series to get to Kevin Durant on the defensive end. Kevin Durant also addressed Tuckers physicality earlier in this series when asked if he thought it too aggressive. The friendship between Tucker and Durant is a testament to the power of college basketball. Vote For Luka Doni To Make The 2020 NBA All-Star Team! PJ Tucker planned to spend the rest of his NBA career with the Miami Heat, but business got in the way. 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 got the utmost respect for Kevin, Tucker said. Its the playoffs, said Tucker. The Nets 7-footer heard "F-k KD" chants in Milwaukee after a heated dust-up with Bucks forward P.J. 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. Tucker have been going head to head for years now, especially in the Playoffs. 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. , 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. This of course, was a result of competitive spirit and nothing more as the two are great friends off the court. Dan used to sic me on people. The friendship between Tucker and Durant is a testament to the power of college basketball. Tucker is averaging 3.4 personal fouls per game during the series and accumulated five while guarding Durant last night. He even held him to 3-for-12 shooting while being his primary defender in game-four of the series. In fact, Tucker never got to play with Durant at Texas, instead going to the NBA just before the All-Star arrived. P.J. ", JAZZ PLAYERS RECALL TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE AFTER EMERGENCY PLANE LANDING: 'THIS MIGHT BE REALLY THE END'. Tucker as the NBA's toughest one-on-one defender for him. But Tucker is making Durant work. Guarding Kevin Durant is an impossible thing to do. He will be playing alongside Devin Booker, a player he has been following since college. This is something I want to do. I said I love you mom and she right in stride, she says I love you too. My bad., A post shared by Sideline Sources (@sidelinesources). 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. Two Longhorns went nose to nose Thursday night, and Draymond Green was amused by the whole scene. Shes going at me and I hear her. During the third quarter of the game, P.J. Im still persevering through to make it so guys that are like me can have that lane to say, I can do it, said Tucker, who played in all 82 games in each of the past two NBA regular seasons. 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. Im living my dream right now guarding Kevin Durant in the NBA playoffs.. Nets star Kevin Durant and Bucks forward P.J. 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. You come from the college, youre the man. 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. Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. #ImDaRealMVP. You had guys feeding their families. Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker got right into each other's faces. 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. Twelve years ago, he thought hed already played in his last game in the NBA when he was waived as a rookie in Toronto. However, they were teammates on the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors, so its possible they are at least friendly. Tucker went from one-and-done in the NBA to an eight-year veteran who has made $26 million in the league. All he would need to do was defend and pass the . Tucker, and the two former Texas Longhorns had words for each other. I was done, man. It sounds crazy, but this is my dream. He said he learned how to play professional basketball while overseas. 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. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. The prospect of recruiting the nations second-best player was something that every coach wanted to pursue. Id rather be here than be the last man on the bench in the NBA and never have a chance. 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. The man deserves a raise. Im like, yeah, you right. Tucker is relishing the daunting challenge. "Im sorry that people seen that language I used. It's like 'OK man, that was incredible, yu made that. Im fighting for every inch. However, Tucker has recently revealed the conversation he had with Wanda. Bryn Forbes Wife and Kids: Is Forbes Married? 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. 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. 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 the best players in the world on the biggest stage of basketball. I dont know what people think. 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. Brooklyn leads the series two-games-to-one with Game 4 scheduled for Sunday in Milwaukee. KDs mom was seen shooting words at Tucker for hurting her son. 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. In response to a question posed on Twitter, Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant identified Houston Rockets forward P.J. Durants mother, Wanda, is a businesswoman. Over there, it aint dropping 30 every night and being the man. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Durant is averaging 36.6 points per game in three contests against the Rockets. "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. New conversation. He played college basketball for the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a two-time All-Big 12 honorable mention. PJ Tucker on his relationship with Kevin Durant: Every year, we have a fight. Tucker got into a verbal confrontation during Milwaukee . Somebodys shooting the freak, though. 4,763 Likes. Abhishek is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports with over two years of PJ Tucker on if he gets discouraged guarding Kevin Durant: "No. Im living my dream. 2023 ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. However, this hasn't stopped Durant from lighting it up in the series. Then, in the offseason, the 76ers lured veteran power forward P.J. Id rather be the man in Europe and win that respect. Tuckers mother, Sharon, is a retired teacher. He also had four stints that season playing in the NBA Development League with the now-defunct Colorado 14ers. by Josef Castillo | Dec 25, 2022 | Famous Players. I was done fighting, trying to prove myself, Tucker said. They have kept in touch over the years and have even been known to exchange text messages during games. this is the playoffs man. Draymond has hilarious reaction to KD-Tucker skirmish. He played one season of college basketball for the University of Texas at Austin, where he was named the National Player of the Year. Also Read:NBA Playoffs: Is Kawhi Leonard playing in Game 1 vs Phoenix Suns, MANORCO PVT LTD 2022 | All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. NBA Playoffs: Is Chris Paul playing in Game 1 vs the Los Angeles Clippers? Both players are around the same height and weight, and both have played for several different teams throughout their careers. 90. In fact, before the playoffs, he started on just one occasion. Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. PJ Tucker, along with other members of the college fraternity, waited with bated breath for KDs arrival. Despite what it looks like on the court, PJ Tucker had nothing but good things to say about his rival Kevin Durant. graduate, he has previously interned in the Indian Super League, I-League and The camera was on Tucker and Durants mom, Wanda, who was not too pleased about the foul on her son. Rockets coach Mike DAntoni said his team won Game 3 because of Tucker, who had 7 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks. Earlier in the quarter, Draymond tweeted about the night Durant was having. Chris Paul and Tucker have been friends since the were teenagers, a fact that made Paul's injury in last season's . Alex Hinton breaks down his top NBA player prop picks for Wednesday, March 1, including plays on Donovan Mitchell and Jimmy Butler. Tucker has had minimal success guarding Kevin Durant, it will be interesting to see if Antetokounmpo will attempt to go star-on . So the Raleigh, North Carolina, native went on an international odyssey over the next five years. over the years where the two get into it during games. In the 2017-18 NBA season, Durant . 2 min read. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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. 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%. Ajayi Browne. The NBA reprimanded the Brooklyn Nets security guard who aggressively knocked the Milwaukee Bucks' P.J. 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. In addition to being a Michael Jordan fan, Abhishek is 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 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. And . He replied saying nah, its the playoffs. Both players have mutual respect for each other, and they are friends off the court. When Durant was with the Warriors, Tucker couldnt get the better of him as the Rockets faced the Warriors several times in the postseason. Im thinking Im all-world, and that is how every college guy thinks that coming in. Kevin Durants idol and strongest support is his mom. Kevin and Kyrie have been close friends since their days together, as they have both been through rough times. People ask me why I play so hard. This is just a game at the end of the day, and both players know that, just like Mrs. Durant. One might say the series between the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets truly became a series when P.J. LeBron James: Spoiled Or Inspiring Role Model? If the rumors are true, then PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are brothers who have found success in the NBA. In the Rockets second-round matchup against the Warriors, it hasnt been easy. There is still uncertainty about whether or not Kyrie Irving will play in Game Seven on Wednesday, but he is expected to. Although P.J. Recently, Shirley had the opportunity to speak with her son about his career. Tucker: First debit card I ever had was because of eBay so I could buy shoes, The complete and insane list of P.J. Wanda Durant wasn't happy with that and yelled at the player, telling him to play basketball. Report: Kevin Durant's 'personal bodyguard' pushed P.J. 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 . He doesnt have a position. I knew I could play. He writes about about basketball news, tips, NBA teams and more. Tuckers gamble paid off, as he made the Suns roster for the 2012-13 season. I love guarding him, said the 36-year-old Bucks forward. There is no definitive answer to this question as the two men have never spoken publicly about their relationship, if any. I take pride in it. The two have been teammates on the USA Basketball team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Golden State Warriors. Who are Kevin and Tucker friends? 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 . It is difficult to win a Final Four game, but there is only one winner. PJ Tucker recently appeared in an interview on JJ Redicks YouTube channel. That was crazy for me.. The Milwaukee Bucks were led by Giannis Antekounmpos 40 points in the second half. 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. 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. The two have complementary skillsets that have helped them form a successful partnership both on and off the court. The Nets, of course, lost to the Bucks in the last seconds of the 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. 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. Brooklyn received unprotected picks in 2023, 2025 . I got drafted by Toronto, but they just took me because I was the best man on the board. Tucker delightfully complimented Kevin Durant after getting scored on. I was like his prodigy. 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. New team, same Kevin Durant. Though they are not related, they 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. Durant said something after the call by the refs and Tucker took exception, getting in Durant's face. Tucker was drafted in the year (2006), and in the same year, Kevin Durant became the freshman at the University of Texas. The Real MVP trash talk between Mama Durant and PJ Tucker revealed. I enjoy it; hes the best scorer Ive ever seen in my life Thats my brother. In fact, Tucker never got to play with Durant at Texas, instead going to the NBA just before the All-Star arrived. It is impossible to overestimate the friendship between Kyrie and Kevin. Aldridge played for the Longhorns from 2002-2006, while Durant played for the Longhorns from 2006-2007. Dorian Finney-Smith is relieved to finally being able to hit some shots. She said just give it one more shot. I played hard. . We dream about this our whole lives. NBA Playoffs: Is Kawhi Leonard playing in Game 1 vs Phoenix Suns. The NBA recently took action against Meyers Leonard for his use of an anti-Semitic slur during a video game live stream on Twitch. A Football Management H's gnna scre 50." Who Is Mikal Bridges Girlfriend Grainger Rosati? But Tucker said his wife, Tracy, and his agent told him he should give the league one more try. All rights reserved. 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." 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 . F inal. 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. Tucker have been going head to head for years now, especially in the Playoffs. Hes the best scorer Ive ever seen in my life. 72. Log into your account. Theyre down 2. Every coach in the country wanted to sign the nations second-best player to their college program. P.J. He writes about about basketball news, tips, NBA teams and more. Chris Paul won the Olympic gold medal with Chris Paul in 2012. Also Read:NBA Playoffs: Is Chris Paul playing in Game 1 vs the Los Angeles Clippers? The Bucks beat the Nets to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals after two years, eliminating the biggest favorite to the title. It was the first overtime game in the NBA since 2006 and the first in a series since 1987. In 2018, Durants ESPN show "The Boardroom" had Rapaport on as a guest. I played both ends of the court. I really take pride in being a good vet and helping guys see the way. 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 . 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. 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. But he will play it as if it were his last. But now that Rapaport exposed Durant on social media, in the social justice conscious NBA, what -- if any -- will be the league's reaction. But Durant got the better of Tucker in game 7 and scored 48 points. Most of the guys who think like that dont last over there. 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. KD might be a grown man now but when someone plays dirty with him, his mom is still going to protect her son. wo Longhorns went nose to nose Thursday night, and Draymond Green was amused by the whole scene. 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. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Interest-Based Ads | EU Privacy Rights | Cookie Policy | Manage Preferences. Tucker and Kevin Durant's mom exchanged some words in a light-hearted moment during Game 7 on Saturday. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports. Josef Castillo is a basketball coach and the owner of a basketball blog called bashabearsbasketball.com. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Durant is one of the best scorers in the NBA, and Tucker is known for his defensive prowess. I love what I do. Kelly Olynyk, Full Spectrum Services LLP 2022 | All Rights Reserved. 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. Tucker was a freshman when Durant was a sophomore and the two formed a formidable partnership on the court. Ouch. Welcome! 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. PJ Tucker is listed as Probable due to calf tightness after missing the second half of Monday's game. Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker are alumni of the same college in Texas. I was going to get paid a couple million [in Russia]. I was like, I am going to turn this money down? It was for way less money, Tucker said.