In the 2017-18 NBA season, Durant . Its crazy., Said Buck: We took a chance. Tucker as the NBA's toughest one-on-one defender for him. He out there tackling them. Tucker is relishing the daunting challenge. In fact, Tucker never got to play with Durant at Texas, instead going to the NBA just before the All-Star arrived. Like, Ill die out there. 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. The prospect of recruiting the nations second-best player was something that every coach wanted to pursue. PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant were teammates during their college days at the University of Texas. James Harden has also been shaky for the Nets since coming back from injury faster than expected. Kevin Durant's mom Wanda offers flirty message to P.J. But I didnt know what it meant to be a pro.. However, the Bucks pushed the series to game-seven, where Tucker and Durant will have another opportunity to put everything on the line. , 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. Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets is defended by P.J. 0:00. This series was memorable, but it's time to move on for both franchises. 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. Tuckers mother, Sharon, is a retired teacher. Durant even had a 49 point triple-double performance in the series where he played all 48 minutes. 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. It was both a heated and hilarious exchange between Tucker and Wanda at the same time. Kyrie Irving Wrote a Message on His Shoes in His First Game for the Dallas Mavericks Despite Losing $11 Million Nike Deal. Still, the best-case scenario if Tucker made the Suns was a $762,195 minimum salary a pay cut of more than $1 million from what he would have earned in Russia. Tucker have been going head to head for years now, especially in the Playoffs. 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. 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, who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks, told TMZ Sports on Wednesday that hes on Durants side. Rapaport posted screenshots of the conversation with Durant on Twitter. I cant wait to guard Kevin Durant. Tucker is siding with Brooklyn Nets starKevin Durant. 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. In addition to being close friends, Kyrie and Kevin have dealt with a lot together. You had guys feeding their families. Somebodys shooting the freak, though. It was the first overtime game in the NBA since 2006 and the first in a series since 1987. 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. After his junior season, Tucker was a second-team All-American and the Big 12 Player of the Year. And . We bet on him. PJ Tucker on his relationship with Kevin Durant: Every year, we have a fight. The man deserves a raise. The pay cut Harden accepted created enough cap space to sign his former teammates and friends, P.J. However, Tucker got the better of Durant last season as the Bucks brushed past the Nets in the playoffs. 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 . Aldridge played for the Longhorns from 2002-2006, while Durant played for the Longhorns from 2006-2007. Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report. PJ Tucker tell JJ Redick what exactly he said to Kevin Durant's mom during The Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks playoff game. Buck said Tucker reluctantly exercised his out clause in Russia and signed with the Suns on Aug. 1, 2013. So the Raleigh, North Carolina, native went on an international odyssey over the next five years. When Kevin Durant decided to join the Golden State Warriors in 2016, he spoke with Paul about his decision. He told his mother that the city has been great to him and his family. The Nets 7-footer heard "F-k KD" chants in Milwaukee after a heated dust-up with Bucks forward P.J. I dont know if Ive ever brought that much every single night, physically, emotionally, it was a toll. Durant said something after the call by the refs and Tucker took exception, getting in Durant's face. However, this hasnt stopped Durant from lighting it up in the series. Dan Canova is a sports reporter for Fox News Digital. Kudos to the refs, they were letting them talk. "He didn't do nothing wrong," Tucker told the website. Im thinking Im all-world, and that is how every college guy thinks that coming in. 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. PJ Tucker, on the other hand, prevailed in the end. The friendship between Tucker and Durant is a testament to the power of college basketball. Most of the guys who think like that dont last over there. Grown men. The Real MVP trash talk between Mama Durant and PJ Tucker revealed. I'm nt ging anywhere. Tucker was so intense that even KD's mom had to step in and call him out after a hard foul. One of the most interesting and most vital matchups in the series is that of Kevin Durant versus P.J. 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. 641 Retweets. In fact, Tucker and Durant faced each other in the conference semis last season. 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. I respect [Los Angeles Clippers guard] Pat [Beverley] for stepping up and saying, I got him [in the first round]. After coming back from a 28-point deficit on Friday, Mikal Bridges feels that offense isn't the issue for the Nets. In fact, Tucker not only called Durant the best scorer he has . He feels that the team has a great chance to win a championship this season. 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. Earlier in the quarter, Draymond tweeted about the night Durant was having. KD and P.J. Over the years, fans have speculated that the two dislike each other. PJs mother was very happy to hear her sons positive attitude about his career and life in general. 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 . Tucker in Brooklyn& Vote For Luka Doni To Make The 2020 NBA All-Star Team! PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are two professional basketball players who have a lot in common. Who are Kevin and Tucker friends? Though they are not related, they have developed a strong bond both on and off the court. Tucker: Im living my dream right now guarding Kevin Durant, Why does P.J. KD might have put up a record-breaking 40+ points in Game 7 but Tucker made KD work for it. My wife just had my son. Kevin Durant is an American professional basketball player for the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basketball Association. wo Longhorns went nose to nose Thursday night, and Draymond Green was amused by the whole scene. 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. Bucks fans made Kevin Durant the villain on Thursday night. Brooklyn received unprotected picks in 2023, 2025 . The media could not be played. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Who Is Mikal Bridges Girlfriend Grainger Rosati? "Im sorry that people seen that language I used. He will be playing alongside Devin Booker, a player he has been following since college. Kevin and Kyrie have been close friends since their days together, as they have both been through rough times. Brooklyn leads the series two-games-to-one with Game 4 scheduled for Sunday in Milwaukee. 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. Alcorn State. 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. (Benny Sieu / USA Today) For Tucker, going against Durant was the reward for everything he had gone . So Soft: Twitter Reacts as Kevin Durant Gets Ejected for Elbowing Pistons Market data provided by Factset. We compete; we fight every game were going to fight again game seven.. They went at it every single game, showing their competitive spirits in every single game. He writes about about basketball news, tips, NBA teams and more. After P.J. His career averages include 22.1 points, 10.3 assists, and 2.2 boards per game. H's gt 50. Over there, it aint dropping 30 every night and being the man. In the Rockets second-round matchup against the Warriors, it hasnt been easy. Giannis Antetokounmpo Injury Update: Will Giannis Play in the All-Star Game? This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. However, Tucker has recently revealed the conversation he had with Wanda. Getty Brooklyn's Kevin Durant and Milwaukee's P.J. Aldridge was named to the NBA All-Star team in 2013 and 2015, as well as to the 2013 and 2017 All-Star teams. In fact, Tucker went on to win the first championship of his career. He is currently a member of the Houston Rockets. The two players have also been linked together off the court, as they are rumored to be brothers. 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. KD might be a grown man now but when someone plays dirty with him, his mom is still going to protect her son. an ardent Steph Curry and Warriors guy, and believes they have a few more P.J. Ouch. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. H's gnna scre 50." Kevin Durant also addressed Tuckers physicality earlier in this series when asked if he thought it too aggressive. It keeps me ticking. Lamarcus Aldridge and Kevin Durant both played college basketball for the Texas Longhorns, but not at the same time. I was done fighting, trying to prove myself, Tucker said. , I wasnt playing. 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. If the rumors are true, then PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are brothers who have found success in the NBA. The NBA's sneaker king talks his new Dolce&Gabbana collab, wrestling with Kevin Durant, and the challenges of shopping in Milwaukee. I was comfortable with it. While his agent Andre Buck put an NBA out clause in the deal, Tucker was content being a star overseas. ", JAZZ PLAYERS RECALL TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE AFTER EMERGENCY PLANE LANDING: 'THIS MIGHT BE REALLY THE END'. Dan told me, I want you to get the best player on every team and shut them down, Tucker said. , I try to help guys who are on the brink of getting out. I was like his prodigy. Tucker fouled Kevin Durant and sent him to the free-throw line. 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. She said just give it one more shot. Despite Tucker's solid defense, Durant still scored 32 points to go along with 11 rebounds. She was like hes not playing basketball; he playing football. Tuckers 2018 NBA playoff sneakers, James Harden is disrespecting the unwritten rules of the game. Rockets P.J. 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 . 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 a stage play. 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. I really take pride in being a good vet and helping guys see the way. Majerle called Tucker a man after my own heart for how hard he played and for taking all the tough defensive assignments. Tucker has two older brothers, Paul and Phillip. During the third quarter of the game, P.J. The playoffs this year have been a roller-coaster ride. NBA Trade Rumors: Insider Believes Rift Between Anthony Davis and LeBron James Could Leave to DallasMavericksMove. I take pride in it. Ajayi Browne. Tucker is an American professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). 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. PJ Tucker on if he gets discouraged guarding Kevin Durant: "No. 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. Guarding Kevin Durant is an impossible thing to do. Although P.J. Cameron Johnson praises how the Brooklyn Nets showed resilience in Friday's comeback win over the Boston Celtics. P.J. "I'm not the first one to get traded or ask for a trade. Latest Jonathan Isaac injury may signal end of his Magic career, Warriors owner sounds off on 'disingenuous' Blazers over Gary Payton II trade fiasco, Seven Cubs pitchers combine for spring no-hitter vs. Padres, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones comments on Tony Pollard rumor, Ben Simmons suffers back injury while rehabilitating, Insider: It's Packers, Jets 'or bust' for Aaron Rodgers, QB Anthony Richardson doesn't understand his 'project' label, Vikings HC reveals 'crazy' thoughts about star WR, XFL player released for giving another team plays from own playbook. by Josef Castillo | Dec 25, 2022 | Famous Players. F inal. 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. He writes about about basketball news, tips, NBA teams and more. NBA player P.J. Wanda Durant wasn't happy with that and yelled at the player, telling him to play basketball. Report this user for behavior that violates our Community Guidelines. Seven years later, Tucker is still in the NBA and guarding Durant. When a prospective freshman named Kevin Durant visited the Austin campus, however, Tucker felt his . Im living my dream right now guarding Kevin Durant in the NBA playoffs.. Given the stakes at hand this series, both Durant and Tucker wereinvolved in some chippy scuffles throughout. why Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo hasnt been defending Durant. 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. P.J. Dorian Finney-Smith is relieved to finally being able to hit some shots. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Given it was a do-or-die game, of course everyone involved is going to be tense. Tucker. You dream about being in the playoffs and guarding the best player in the world. Also Read:NBA Playoffs: Is Kawhi Leonard playing in Game 1 vs Phoenix Suns, MANORCO PVT LTD 2022 | All Rights Reserved. PJ Tucker recently appeared in an interview on JJ Redicks YouTube channel. 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 . That was a decision I had made.. Learn more and register here. 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. You can really change games that way.. Theyre down 2. Right now, while Im in the playoffs, I dont try to look back at it, Tucker told The Undefeated. Thats why the day seemed so long. Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker are alumni of the same college in Texas. Nets star Kevin Durant and Bucks forward P.J. 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 . Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Interest-Based Ads | EU Privacy Rights | Cookie Policy | Manage Preferences. Furkan Korkmaz remains out due to personal reasons. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Dan used to sic me on people. Tucker found some time to have some fun. During the third quarter, Tucker fouled Nets star Kevin Durant, sending him to the free-throw line. Durant was exposed by Michael Rapaport for using homophobic slurs in a private Instagram conversation. "It's basketball. Tucker, a defensive pest during that series, from the Heat in free agency, a move that left Philadelphia penalized by the NBA for . That was a battle every single night. Tucker fouled Kevin Durant, who sank both free throws while his mother sat nearby. On Thursday, Durant addressed the exchange with Rapaport. That was crazy for me.. They have won multiple championships together, and their friendship has been well-documented. This article first appeared on Sideline Sources and was syndicated with permission. Tucker: Grabs season-high 16 boards Tucker contributed seven points (2-7 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 16 rebounds and one assist over 38 minutes during Saturday's 110-107 loss to the Celtics. I remember it. I played hard. However, it wasnt enough as the Nets crashed out of the series by losing 115111 in overtime. 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. Tucker was crucial for the Bucks as he started 19 of the 23 games he played in the playoffs. Tucker went from one-and-done in the NBA to an eight-year veteran who has made $26 million in the league. Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker got right into each other's faces. Over the last few months, more videos on YouTube showed PJ clearly loving going against KD and constantly pushing him around on the court. Tucker and Blanks were actually friends with University of Texas ties. The veteran wing defender makes it his personal mission to try and stop the man that he considers to be . the AFC Champions League. Tucker had something of a contentious relationship throughout the Brooklyn . But Durant got the better of Tucker in game 7 and scored 48 points. 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. Tucker during on-court dispute. PJ Tucker on his relationship with Kevin Durant: Every year, we have a fight. Tucker and Kevin Durants mom exchanged some words in a light-hearted moment during Game 7 on Saturday. My first start was against KD and OKC. D it again.' Bcause I'm nt gnna stop. 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.