One might say the series between the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets truly became a series when P.J. However, Tucker cleared up any assumptions of the two sharing bad blood. Given it was a do-or-die game, of course everyone involved is going to be tense. P.J. Tucker on his decision to leave the Miami Heat | Miami Herald Tucker turned his attention to her to say, 'I love you,' and creating one of the best moments of the night. P.J. Tucker Has Honest Reaction To Guarding Kevin Durant It is difficult to win a Final Four game, but there is only one winner. 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. Always free! 2 min read. "He didn't do nothing wrong," Tucker told the website. Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets is defended by P.J. People see us fight, but they dont know we talk about regular stuff too. NBA Playoffs: Is Chris Paul playing in Game 1 vs the Los Angeles Clippers? You cant help but smile after watching that light-hearted interaction. Rockets coach Mike DAntoni said his team won Game 3 because of Tucker, who had 7 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks. One of the most interesting and most vital matchups in the series is that of Kevin Durant versus P.J. NBA player P.J. Tucker defends Kevin Durant in spat with Michael Abhishek is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports with over two years of In fact, Tucker and Durant faced each other in the conference semis last season. That was one of the worst years of my life, Tucker said. There is no definitive answer to this question as the two men have never spoken publicly about their relationship, if any. Report: P.J. Tucker to sign with 76ers on three-year, $30M contract Then, in the offseason, the 76ers lured veteran power forward P.J. It was both a heated and hilarious exchange between Tucker and Wanda at the same time. 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 Alex Hinton breaks down his top NBA player prop picks for Wednesday, March 1, including plays on Donovan Mitchell and Jimmy Butler. "Hopefully I can move past it and get back out on the floor.". It's a Good Time to Be PJ Tucker - Bleacher Report 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Tucker have faced off multiple times over the years especially in the playoffs. F inal. Keith Pompey: There will be no winners in Sixers-Nets trade if James Id rather be the man in Europe and win that respect. Durant and Rapaport have had a relationship in the past. Tucker play so hard? 2023 ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. It keeps me strong. Log into your account. He played college basketball for the University of Texas at Austin, and was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the 2006 NBA draft. Buck said Tucker reluctantly exercised his out clause in Russia and signed with the Suns on Aug. 1, 2013. New team, same Kevin Durant. Somebodys shooting the freak, though. But he will play it as if it were his last. He doesnt have a position. I knew I could play. The most hyped prospect since the 2003 draft class was Kevin Durant. Coming back? They had a little exchange after Tucker practically tackled Durant, sending the Nets forward to the free-throw line. Ira Winderman: Heat-76ers allowed to percolate and marinate before Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Draymond, who believes Durant and the Nets will go deep in the playoffs, couldn't believe security guards were needed for this skirmish. Tucker said he did everything wrong his rookie year and admitted his ego caused him to believe he was destined for NBA stardom instantly. #ImDaRealMVP. Milwaukee Bucks' trade for P.J. Tucker paid off vs. Kevin Durant, Nets Tucker played for the Cleveland Cavaliers summer league team in 2007, but no NBA contract offers followed. LeBron James: Spoiled Or Inspiring Role Model? Following a win in Game 6 over the Nets, Milwaukee Bucks forward PJ Tucker praised Kevin Durant. Twelve years ago, he thought hed already played in his last game in the NBA when he was waived as a rookie in Toronto. During the third quarter, Tucker fouled Nets star Kevin Durant, sending him to the free-throw line. H's gt 50. Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker got right into each other's faces. 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. Kevin Durant And PJ Tucker Got Into It After A Foul And A Nets Security In the 2017-18 NBA season, Durant . However, this hasn't stopped Durant from lighting it up in the series. Tucker is siding with Brooklyn Nets starKevin Durant. "Im sorry that people seen that language I used. Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker got right into each other's faces. Yet he had seven turnovers and wasn't as unstoppable as he was in Game 5 when he exploded for a 49-point . NBA betting, odds: Bettors excited to take the over on Kevin Durant's Over the last few months, more videos on YouTube showed PJ clearly loving going against KD and constantly pushing him around on the court. A mic'd-up P.J. I got successful. 66. Brooklyn received unprotected picks in 2023, 2025 . 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. Kevin Durant's mom Wanda offers flirty message to P.J. Who Is Keith Appling, Former NBA Player Accused of Second Degree Murder? Josef Castillo is a basketball coach and the owner of a basketball blog called bashabearsbasketball.com. Aldridge played for the Longhorns from 2002-2006, while Durant played for the Longhorns from 2006-2007. Earlier in the quarter, Draymond tweeted about the night Durant was having. But Durant got the better of Tucker in game 7 and scored 48 points. A player like Kevin, theres no time off, you cant relax for one second. You come from the college, youre the man. Tucker latches onto Kevin Durant every time both men step onto the hardwood together. However, it wasnt enough as the Nets crashed out of the series by losing 115111 in overtime. They went at it every single game, showing their competitive spirits in every single game. The eight-year veteran is relishing his role after a humbling start to his career. 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. That was a decision I had made.. Although P.J. Today was no different. Welcome! This week Kevin Durant should make his debut with the Suns. Recently, Shirley had the opportunity to speak with her son about his career. Kevin Durant Clashes With PJ Tucker In War Of Words 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. No, no, no, not me. Nets star Kevin Durant and Bucks forward P.J. 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. 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. NBA Rising All-Stars Game 2023: Who Is Playing and Where to Watch? He said he learned how to play professional basketball while overseas. But Tucker is making Durant work. Draymond Green Rips Kevin Durant-P.J. Tucker scuffle | Heavy.com Tucker: Im living my dream right now guarding Kevin Durant, Why does P.J. The friendship between Tucker and Durant is a testament to the power of college basketball. 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. That is like a part of my job too. Wanda Durant trash talks PJ Tucker during Game 7. When LaMarcus Aldridge agreed to a buyout with the San Antonio Spurs last week, Kevin Durant moved quickly to ensure that they had not had another missed opportunity 15 years from now. Tucker and Kevin Durants mom exchanged some words in a light-hearted moment during Game 7 on Saturday. They're very close friends and care so much for one another. He replied saying nah, its the playoffs. Both players have mutual respect for each other, and they are friends off the court. championships in store before the former retires. 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 . Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. why Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo hasnt been defending Durant. the AFC Champions League. Durant felt he 'fit in pretty well' in winning Suns debut despite nerves New conversation. 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 . PJ also spoke about how much he loves living in Houston. Kevin Durant, PJ Tucker will face off in winner-take-all Game 7 The Kevin Durant vs. P.J. Tucker defensive battle will - Newsday Tucker, who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks, told TMZ Sports on Wednesday that hes on Durants side. wo Longhorns went nose to nose Thursday night, and Draymond Green was amused by the whole scene. Tucker has had minimal success guarding Kevin Durant, it will be interesting to see if Antetokounmpo will attempt to go star-on . I love my role. Guarding Kevin Durant is an impossible thing to do. Its the playoffs I dream about being in the playoffs guarding the best player in the world Im living my dream. This is supposed to be Americas sweetheart right? Tucker and Kevin Durant's mom exchanged some words in a light-hearted moment during Game 7 on Saturday. However, since joining the NBA, the duo has faced each other on several big occasions. PJ made it clear that he loves going against KD, constantly pushing each other on the court. Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. Learn more and register here. 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. But now that Rapaport exposed Durant on social media, in the social justice conscious NBA, what -- if any -- will be the league's reaction. Im living my dream. 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. This is something I want to do. In fact, Tucker never got to play with Durant at Texas, instead going to the NBA just before the All-Star arrived. Then-Suns general manager Lance Blanks offered Tucker a non-guaranteed training camp invite during summer league play. PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are two professional basketball players who have a lot in common. He told Tucker he believed he could have a place in the NBA as a primary defender. I got the utmost respect for Kevin, Tucker said. 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. PJ Tucker opens up on Kevin Durant and their fierce competition. Please check your email for a confirmation. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Marc J. Spears is the senior NBA writer for Andscape. LeBron James: Spoiled Or Inspiring Role Model? Tricking myslf bcause he's killing m. 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. Bucks' P.J. Tucker on Kevin Durant: 'He's the Best Scorer I've Ever Tuckers mother, Sharon, is a retired teacher. Durant was exposed by Michael Rapaport for using homophobic slurs in a private Instagram conversation. Cameron Johnson praises how the Brooklyn Nets showed resilience in Friday's comeback win over the Boston Celtics. Kevin Durant and P.J. There have been many instances between Tucker and Durant that showcase their competitive nature and passion. I enjoy it; hes the best scorer Ive ever seen in my life Thats my brother. 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.. Tucker fouled Kevin Durant, who sank both free throws while his mother sat nearby. Tucker fouled Kevin Durant and sent him to the free-throw line. In addition to being close friends, Kyrie and Kevin have dealt with a lot together. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Hes the best scorer Ive ever seen in my life. 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. When a prospective freshman named Kevin Durant visited the Austin campus, . October 30, 2021 10:43 am ET. journalistic experience with Chase Your Sport and Dribl. [ad_1] JIMMY BUTLER INTERRUPTED his pregame warmup and made a beeline toward half court. PJ Tucker on if he gets discouraged guarding Kevin Durant: "No - reddit over the years where the two get into it during games. Thats not really what I want people to see and hear from me," Durant said. I say, Im happy to be here. For real.. Tuckers gamble paid off, as he made the Suns roster for the 2012-13 season. If you are a Nets and Bucks fan that is currently tensed up in your living room, be sure to watch this video to help calm you down. Reporters and fans have questioned why Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo hasnt been defending Durant. Durants mother, Wanda, is a businesswoman. PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are two of the best players in the NBA. When Durant was with the Warriors, Tucker couldnt get the better of him as the Rockets faced the Warriors several times in the postseason. A foundation of success and high performance had been set.. 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. Kevin Durant also addressed Tuckers physicality earlier in this series when asked if he thought it too aggressive. Quit playing football," she yelled at the big man. Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. 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. 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. 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." In fact, Tucker never got to play with Durant at Texas, instead going to the NBA just before the All-Star arrived. NBA Playoffs: Is Kawhi Leonard playing in Game 1 vs Phoenix Suns. Tucker have been going head to head for years now, especially in the Playoffs. But Durants 48 points became the most in a game 7 in NBA postseason history. Despite what it looks like on the court, PJ Tucker had nothing but good things to say about his rival Kevin Durant. P.J. Tucker | Philadelphia 76ers | NBA.com H's gnna scre 50." Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker are alumni of the same college in Texas. I was comfortable with it. 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. They helped the Longhorns reach the NCAA tournament in 2006 and 2007, with Durant being named the tournaments Most Outstanding Player in 2007. Two Longhorns went nose to nose Thursday night, and Draymond Green was amused by the whole scene. 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. Is Luka Doncics Health At Risk? Both Tucker and Durant were born to African-American mothers. I was done fighting, trying to prove myself, Tucker said. KD and P.J. PJ Tucker on his relationship with Kevin Durant: Every year, we have a fight. PJ Tucker is listed as Probable due to calf tightness after missing the second half of Monday's game. On Thursday, Durant addressed the exchange with Rapaport. There is still uncertainty as to whether Irving will be able to play in Game Seven, which will air tomorrow. But now Dan is like a big brother to me. Phillip played college basketball at George Mason University. Can you name every NBA starting player (according to ESPN.com)? 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. They didnt need me. NBA Starting Lineups (2023) "It's basketball. Kevin Durant and P.J. 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. Brooklyn leads the series two-games-to-one with Game 4 scheduled for Sunday in Milwaukee. Tucker during on-court dispute. You have to learn how to play over there. They have kept in touch over the years and have even been known to exchange text messages during games. He is currently a member of the Houston Rockets. They are extremely close friends and are devoted to one another. I'm nt ging anywhere. So, I was talking crazy, and she was like I was in him (Durant), Tucker told JJ Redick. That was crazy for me.. Tucker will play in his 618th career NBA game when the Houston Rockets host the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 of their second-round playoff series on Monday night. 02/16 . Nets security guard reprimanded for shoving PJ Tucker - USA TODAY The Power Of College Basketball: The Friendship Between PJ Tucker And I made my name over there. Author: Youre gonna get thrown out; then we cant play. Tucker (17) reacts after a play against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter of Game 5 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals series at FTX Arena in Miami on May 25, 2022. Mic'd-up P.J. Tucker complimented Kevin Durant after getting scored on 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. PJ Tucker is an American professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association. You love to see these moments to find out how intense the playoffs are. He also had four stints that season playing in the NBA Development League with the now-defunct Colorado 14ers. But I didnt know what it meant to be a pro.. Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. KD might be a grown man now but when someone plays dirty with him, his mom is still going to protect her son. I signed a two-year deal in Russia for all the money. My first start was against KD and OKC. P.J. It could happen on Wednesday against the Hornets. I was like his prodigy. PJ Tucker on if he gets discouraged guarding Kevin Durant: "No. Tucker out of the way during an altercation involving Kevin Durant . P.J. Tucker and Kevin Durant's mom talking trash is best - FanSided PJ Tucker appeared on Iman Shumperts podcast two years ago. 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. PJ Tucker on his relationship with Kevin Durant: Every year, we have a fight. PJ Tuckers mother, Shirley Tucker, is a Durrant native. In 2018, Durants ESPN show "The Boardroom" had Rapaport on as a guest. (Benny Sieu / USA Today) For Tucker, going against Durant was the reward for everything he had gone . Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Interest-Based Ads | EU Privacy Rights | Cookie Policy | Manage Preferences. NBA Trade Rumors: Insider Believes Rift Between Anthony Davis and LeBron James Could Leave to DallasMavericksMove. this is the playoffs man. Has P.J. Tucker finally found what he has been looking for with the Tucker, Danuel House Jr., and Montrezl Harrell in free agency. Tucker and Kevin Durant got into it at the 4-minute, 21-second mark of third quarter in Game . P.J. By the summer of 2012, Tucker was making a comfortable living for himself overseas and signed a two-year contract paying at least $2 million with BC Spartak St. Petersburg of Russia. The NBA recently took action against Meyers Leonard for his use of an anti-Semitic slur during a video game live stream on Twitch. In addition to being a Michael Jordan fan, Abhishek is 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. Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker are alumni of the same college in Texas. The veteran wing defender makes it his personal mission to try and stop the man that he considers to be . Who Is Mikal Bridges Girlfriend Grainger Rosati? However, Tucker has recently revealed the conversation he had with Wanda. Aldridge was named to the NBA All-Star team in 2013 and 2015, as well as to the 2013 and 2017 All-Star teams. 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. Following a win in Game 6 over the Nets, Milwaukee Bucks forward PJ Tucker praised Kevin Durant. PJ Tucker opens up on Kevin Durant and their fierce competition - Yahoo!