That was a battle every single night. 90. H's gnna scre 50." Tucker is averaging 3.4 personal fouls per game during the series and accumulated five while guarding Durant last night. But Bucks forward P.J. PJ Tucker, along with other members of the college fraternity, waited with bated breath for KDs arrival. My bad., A post shared by Sideline Sources (@sidelinesources). It was a fun series just battling and being able to finally get over the hump against him was pretty nice. The NBA is gaining more backlash as star players continue to sit out games, and basketball legend Magic Johnson agrees with the criticism. Tucker is an American professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). I was going to get paid a couple million [in Russia]. Butting Heads with LeBron James & All the Other Times Kevin Durant Showed His Anger. Tucker and Kevin Love have a long history of competing against each other in college and the NBA. I was done, man. They're very close friends and care so much for one another. He even held him to 3-for-12 shooting while being his primary defender in game-four of the series. 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%. Miami Heat forward P.J. This week Kevin Durant should make his debut with the Suns. Tucker fouled Kevin Durant and sent him to the free-throw line. They always push each other on the court, which is a big part of their chemistry. Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker had a contentious relationship. Kevin Durant was the most widely regarded prospect among all forwards in the 2003 NBA draft. Tucker was drafted in the year (2006), and in the same year, Kevin Durant became the freshman at the University of Texas. Story tips can be sent to Daniel.Canova@fox.com and on Twitter: @DanCanova. However, the Bucks pushed the series to game-seven, where Tucker and Durant will have another opportunity to put everything on the line. Tucker have been going head to head for years now, especially in the Playoffs. Trust me. 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. PJ Tuckers mother, Shirley Tucker, is a Durrant native. The Bucks beat the Nets to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals after two years, eliminating the biggest favorite to the title. We bet on him. Vote For Luka Doni To Make The 2020 NBA All-Star Team! Recently, Shirley had the opportunity to speak with her son about his career. The two players have also been linked together off the court, as they are rumored to be brothers. Tucker and Kevin Durant's mom exchanged some words in a light-hearted moment during Game 7 on Saturday. There, Utah Jazz swingman Joe Ingles stood, watched and waited as the All-Star closed in.Butler's mission: peace.At this point, the quick wits, sharp tongues and competitive fires of both Butler and Ingles had been clashing for . I know what I could do. Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. They didnt need me. 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. If NBA broadcasters ever wanted to offer an uncensored, mic'd-up option to watch entire games, people would . PJ Tucker on his relationship with Kevin Durant: Every year, we have a fight. He is currently a member of the Houston Rockets. PJ Tucker appeared on Iman Shumperts podcast two years ago. The two have been teammates on the USA Basketball team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Golden State Warriors. In addition to winning two titles with Portland in 2015 and 2015, he won two Finals Most Valuable Player awards in 2015 and 2017, a scoring title in 2015, and a regular-season Most Valuable Player award in 2015. There aren't many guys who can get under Durant's skin when he has the ball in his hands. Right now, while Im in the playoffs, I dont try to look back at it, Tucker told The Undefeated. I played both ends of the court. 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. Tucker is relishing the daunting challenge. 2 min read. Im like, yeah, you right. Its the playoffs I dream about being in the playoffs guarding the best player in the world Im living my dream. 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. Lamarcus Aldridge and Kevin Durant both played college basketball for the Texas Longhorns, but not at the same time. P.J. Tucker and Durant were engaged in a serious duel throughout the series. Carlos Garcia, Game 7 6/20/2021. Devin Booker scored 37 points and Deandre Ayton had 16 points and 16 rebounds in the Suns' seventh victory in 10 games. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Two Longhorns went nose to nose Thursday night, and Draymond Green was amused by the whole scene. 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. Following a win in Game 6 over the Nets, Milwaukee Bucks forward PJ Tucker praised Kevin Durant. I was like his prodigy. You feel like youre better than anybody. Kyrie Irving Wrote a Message on His Shoes in His First Game for the Dallas Mavericks Despite Losing $11 Million Nike Deal. It is impossible to overestimate the friendship between Kyrie and Kevin. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. PJ cleared everything up following a game-six victory over the Nets. I cant wait to guard Kevin Durant. Tucker and Kevin Durants mom exchanged some words in a light-hearted moment during Game 7 on Saturday. Returning to the court after recovering from a knee injury . 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. All rights reserved. PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant were teammates during their college days at the University of Texas. They really caught it. On Thursday, Durant addressed the exchange with Rapaport. Tucker has always . 291 replies 641 retweets 4,763 likes. 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. Rockets coach Mike DAntoni said his team won Game 3 because of Tucker, who had 7 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks. Game-Seven will air tomorrow, and there still is uncertainty whether Nets player Kyrie Irving will play. Tucker found some time to have some fun. Because hes happy to be here., P.J. We dream about this our whole lives. Kelly Olynyk, Full Spectrum Services LLP 2022 | All Rights Reserved. PJ Tucker is a well-known basketball player who has played for various teams throughout his career. 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. You love to see these moments to find out how intense the playoffs are. Every coach in the country wanted to sign the nations second-best player to their college program. Guarding Kevin Durant is an impossible thing to do. 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. The two were cursing and throwing insults at each other and the former NBA MVP called Rapaport a "fkin pale ck sucker.". Tucker (17) in the first quarter during game seven in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. New conversation. 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. There is still uncertainty as to whether Irving will be able to play in Game Seven, which will air tomorrow. Market data provided by Factset. 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. 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. The NBA recently took action against Meyers Leonard for his use of an anti-Semitic slur during a video game live stream on Twitch. After P.J. 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. Im not backing down from nothing. When asked about how it feels to guard someone as close to unstoppable as KD, Tucker said, Its painful. Buck said Tucker reluctantly exercised his out clause in Russia and signed with the Suns on Aug. 1, 2013. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports. Tucker, Danuel House Jr., and Montrezl Harrell in free agency. In fact, Tucker never got to play with Durant at Texas, instead going to the NBA just before the All-Star arrived. Chavez/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images. , If it wasnt for my wife and my agent, I wouldnt have come back. I take pride in it. Thats why the day seemed so long. Nobody wants to do that. It's like 'OK man, that was incredible, yu made that. PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are two of the best players in the NBA. He played one season of college basketball for the University of Texas at Austin, where he was named the National Player of the Year. Tucker played for the Cleveland Cavaliers summer league team in 2007, but no NBA contract offers followed. However, the Longhorns are different. The former Houston Rockets had incredible duels . The video of the conversation between the two is the cutest thing on the internet today. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Interest-Based Ads | EU Privacy Rights | Cookie Policy | Manage Preferences. Tucker and Kevin Durant got into it at the 4-minute, 21-second mark of third quarter in Game . You come from the college, youre the man. A foundation of success and high performance had been set.. PJ Tucker on his relationship with Kevin Durant: Every year, we have a fight. However, it wasnt enough as the Nets crashed out of the series by losing 115111 in overtime. https://netswire.usatoday.com/2021/06/19/pj-tucker-opens-up-on-kevin-durant-and-their-fierce-competition/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 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. He told the 36-year-old that he was an NBA All-Star level player as a junior in high school. D it again.' Bcause I'm nt gnna stop. I got the utmost respect for Kevin, Tucker said. By New Years Eve, I was starting, Tucker said. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Report this user for behavior that violates our Community Guidelines. Id rather be here than be the last man on the bench in the NBA and never have a chance. the belief in Brooklyn was that Simmons was set up for greatness playing alongside elite scorers Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Tucker was a freshman when Durant was a sophomore and the two formed a formidable partnership on the court. Im living my dream. P.J. Always free! The former Houston Rockets had incredible duels against Kevin Durant during the entire series. 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. Alcorn State. Results reveal seven composites of closeness in interethnic friendship: disclosure, comfort, compatibility, reappraisal of the characters and other ethnic groups, support, similarity, and . championships in store before the former retires. 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. P.J. Tucker as the NBA's toughest one-on-one defender for him. "The Snake himself is now threatening me, bringing up my wife and wants to fight. One might say the series between the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets truly became a series when P.J. 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. There is no definitive answer to this question as the two men have never spoken publicly about their relationship, if any. PJ Tucker recently appeared in an interview on JJ Redicks YouTube channel. Tucker went from one-and-done in the NBA to an eight-year veteran who has made $26 million in the league. Durant said something after the call by the refs and Tucker took exception, getting in Durant's face. But Tucker is making Durant work. 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. graduate, he has previously interned in the Indian Super League, I-League and Over the years, fans have speculated that the two dislike each other. Is Luka Doncics Health At Risk? They had a little exchange after Tucker practically tackled Durant, sending the Nets forward to the free-throw line. I signed a two-year deal in Russia for all the money. 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. P.J. 4,763 Likes. My [NBA] minimum was so low. There is no definitive answer to this question as the two men have never openly discussed their relationship with one another. But it makes me super humble to be here with every game, every moment. Subscribe to our YouTube chann. Majerle called Tucker a man after my own heart for how hard he played and for taking all the tough defensive assignments. Kudos to the refs, they were letting them talk. 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 . Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Chris Paul and Tucker have been friends since the were teenagers, a fact that made Paul's injury in last season's . People see us fight, but they dont know we talk about regular stuff too. But now that Rapaport exposed Durant on social media, in the social justice conscious NBA, what -- if any -- will be the league's reaction. WATCH THIS STORY: Butting Heads with LeBron James & All the Other Times Kevin Durant Showed His Anger. Trending 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. Im thinking Im all-world, and that is how every college guy thinks that coming in. But Durant got the better of Tucker in game 7 and scored 48 points. More on this storyline. Tucker has been going after Durant on the defensive end all series long, and he has done well against Durant. Even with a couple of slow games against the Los Angeles Clippers, Durant wasn't really bothered by the defense or antics of Patrick . why Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo hasnt been defending Durant. 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. Draymond, who believes Durant and the Nets will go deep in the playoffs, couldn't believe security guards were needed for this skirmish. The Suns are +450 to win a championship. Alex Hinton breaks down his top NBA player prop picks for Wednesday, March 1, including plays on Donovan Mitchell and Jimmy Butler. Though they are not related, they have developed a strong bond both on and off the court. 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. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. 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. From 2007-12, Tucker played in Israel, Ukraine, Italy, Greece, Montenegro, Puerto Rico, Germany and Russia. I made my name over there. Me and Kevin fight every year I love guarding him. So, I was talking crazy, and she was like I was in him (Durant), Tucker told JJ Redick. The friendship between Tucker and Durant is a testament to the power of college basketball. Both players are around the same height and weight, and both have played for several different teams throughout their careers. Quit playing football," she yelled at the big man. Tuckers mother, Sharon, is a retired teacher. In fact, Tucker went on to win the first championship of his career. Who Is Bryn Forbes Girlfriend and What Does She Do? This article first appeared on Sideline Sources and was syndicated with permission. PJ Tucker and the rest of the college fraternity exhaled in anticipation of KDs arrival. Durant even had a 49 point triple-double performance in the series where he played all 48 minutes. That was crazy for me.. Leonard, who was hit with a fine, was also suspended for a week. P.J. (Benny Sieu / USA Today) For Tucker, going against Durant was the reward for everything he had gone . Following a win in Game 6 over the Nets, Milwaukee Bucks forward PJ Tucker praised Kevin Durant. H's gt 50. Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report. 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. That is like a part of my job too. 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. In response to a question posed on Twitter, Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant identified Houston Rockets forward P.J. Kevin Durant and P.J. He said he learned how to play professional basketball while overseas. But I didnt know what it meant to be a pro.. It is difficult to win a Final Four game, but there is only one winner. The Suns are absolutely loaded, and have the second-best odds to win the NBA title at BetMGM. PJ Tucker opens up on Kevin Durant and their fierce competition. I said I love you mom and she right in stride, she says I love you too. Market data provided by Factset. I was like, I am going to turn this money down? It was for way less money, Tucker said. this is the playoffs man. The prospect of recruiting the nations second-best player was something that every coach wanted to pursue. Giannis Antetokounmpo Injury Update: Will Giannis Play in the All-Star Game? "It's basketball. KD might have put up a record-breaking 40+ points in Game 7 but Tucker made KD work for it. USA TODAY. I was comfortable with it. My first start was against KD and OKC. "He didn't do nothing wrong," Tucker told the website. Emailed daily. They care about winning over there. Tucker fouled Kevin Durant, who sank both free throws while his mother sat nearby. Twelve years ago, he thought hed already played in his last game in the NBA when he was waived as a rookie in Toronto. All rights reserved. Durant, of course, previously played with the Golden State Warriors, who faced Tucker and the Rockets in the past two NBA playoffs. Saturday was an important day for the Brooklyn Nets and the . Tonight, Kevin Durant will take the floor for the first time as .