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. June 19, 2021 2:30 pm ET. There aren't many guys who can get under Durant's skin when he has the ball in his hands. In fact, Tucker and Durant faced each other in the conference semis last season. KD might be a grown man now but when someone plays dirty with him, his mom is still going to protect her son. They have kept in touch over the years and have even been known to exchange text messages during games. K is having a miserable night! However, Tucker got the better of Durant last season as the Bucks brushed past the Nets in the playoffs. Getty Brooklyn's Kevin Durant and Milwaukee's P.J. My wife just had my son. But no one could decipher what Tucker really said to Wanda. Tucker, and the two former Texas Longhorns had words for each other. Somebodys shooting the freak, though. 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. Welcome! by Josef Castillo | Dec 25, 2022 | Famous Players. PJ Tucker is a well-known basketball player who has played for various teams throughout his career. Tucker is relishing the daunting challenge. KD and P.J. He only made it to the NCAA tournament once. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. 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 . PJ also spoke about how much he loves living in Houston. Wanda also shared a touching moment with KD after the game, hugging and consoling the player. Legal Statement. In 2018, Durants ESPN show "The Boardroom" had Rapaport on as a guest. Tucker has had minimal success guarding Kevin Durant, it will be interesting to see if Antetokounmpo will attempt to go star-on . We gt fac to fac. Throughout the series, Tucker has been a constant thorn in Durants side on the defensive end. Furkan Korkmaz remains out due to personal reasons. 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. Tucker (17) in the first quarter during game seven in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. Dorian Finney-Smith is relieved to finally being able to hit some shots. Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. (Benny Sieu / USA Today) For Tucker, going against Durant was the reward for everything he had gone . or redistributed. Dan Majerle was already one of my favorite players. 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. "He didn't do nothing wrong," Tucker told the website. This of course, was a result of competitive spirit and nothing more as the two are great friends off the court. Subscribe to our YouTube chann. Dan used to sic me on people. Copyright 2023 YB Media, LLC. 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. I know what I could do. Tucker went from one-and-done in the NBA to an eight-year veteran who has made $26 million in the league. Thats not really what I want people to see and hear from me," Durant said. Tucker: First debit card I ever had was because of eBay so I could buy shoes, The complete and insane list of P.J. You feel like youre better than anybody. Chris Paul and Tucker have been friends since the were teenagers, a fact that made Paul's injury in last season's . Josef Castillo is a basketball coach and the owner of a basketball blog called bashabearsbasketball.com. Shes going at me and I hear her. New conversation. 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 . The Nets, of course, lost to the Bucks in the last seconds of the game. 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. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Durant even had a 49 point triple-double performance in the series where he played all 48 minutes. 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. Also Read:NBA Playoffs: Is Kawhi Leonard playing in Game 1 vs Phoenix Suns, MANORCO PVT LTD 2022 | All Rights Reserved. On Thursday, Durant addressed the exchange with Rapaport. Josef Castillo is a basketball coach and the owner of a basketball blog called bashabearsbasketball.com. 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 . 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. It keeps me ticking. Like, Ill die out there. They are extremely close friends and are devoted to one another. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. The Nets 7-footer heard "F-k KD" chants in Milwaukee after a heated dust-up with Bucks forward P.J. However, Tucker has recently revealed the conversation he had with Wanda. Tuckers 2018 NBA playoff sneakers, James Harden is disrespecting the unwritten rules of the game. The most hyped prospect since the 2003 draft class was Kevin Durant. Following a win in Game 6 over the Nets, Milwaukee Bucks forward PJ Tucker praised Kevin Durant. 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. You had guys feeding their families. Tucker in Brooklyn& It keeps me strong. Most of the guys who think like that dont last over there. I was like, I am going to turn this money down? It was for way less money, Tucker said. why Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo hasnt been defending Durant. 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. Though they are not related by blood, the two have developed a strong bond both on and off the court. Always free! However, Tucker managed to have a bit of fun with Durant's mother, Wanda Durant, during the third quarter of the game. PJ told his mother that he is very happy with his current situation with the Houston Rockets. I said I love you mom and she right in stride, she says I love you too. Results reveal seven composites of closeness in interethnic friendship: disclosure, comfort, compatibility, reappraisal of the characters and other ethnic groups, support, similarity, and . I got him a few times like real, like some tough hits. Tucker has two older brothers, Paul and Phillip. P.J. Hes one of the best goal-scorers in the world, and I enjoy watching him play. However, this hasn't stopped Durant from lighting it up in the series. 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. 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. Miami Heat forward P.J. It keeps me going. Kevin Durant and P.J. 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. "Hopefully I can move past it and get back out on the floor.". Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets is defended by P.J. LeBron James: Spoiled Or Inspiring Role Model? the AFC Champions League. Hes the best scorer Ive ever seen in my life. Market data provided by Factset. Who are Kevin and Tucker friends? Aldridge was named to the NBA All-Star team in 2013 and 2015, as well as to the 2013 and 2017 All-Star teams. PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are two professional basketball players who have a lot in common. 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 . And he was a fan favorite in Milwaukee despite not being a regular starter initially. I made my name over there. 2023 ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. 0:53. My [NBA] minimum was so low. I gambled on myself, but I didnt want to. I played hard. Tucker finally had the last laugh in this long-standing battle with Kevin Durant as the Milwaukee Bucks advance to the Eastern Conference Finals after beating the Brooklyn Nets in Over Time. A foundation of success and high performance had been set.. So, I was talking crazy, and she was like I was in him (Durant), Tucker told JJ Redick. Me and Kevin fight every year. People see us fight, but they dont know we talk about regular stuff too. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. This is supposed to be Americas sweetheart right? 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. the belief in Brooklyn was that Simmons was set up for greatness playing alongside elite scorers Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Tucker has always . Chris Paul won the Olympic gold medal with Chris Paul in 2012. He used to be able to dunk on you, but he hasnt been able to in years and his knees still hurt. Youre gonna get thrown out; then we cant play. While his agent Andre Buck put an NBA out clause in the deal, Tucker was content being a star overseas. 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 . You love to see these moments to find out how intense the playoffs are. Tucker and Kevin Durants mom exchanged some words in a light-hearted moment during Game 7 on Saturday. Seven years later, Tucker is still in the NBA and guarding Durant. Tucker and Blanks were actually friends with University of Texas ties. 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. It was crazy how they caught it and the timing of it, but it was that was for sure my moment of the playoffs.. P.J. Id rather be here than be the last man on the bench in the NBA and never have a chance. Tucker said he sees the NBA through a different lens now and truly appreciates every single game he plays. I was done, man. But Tucker is making Durant work. 66. Today was no different. PJ Tucker on his relationship with Kevin Durant: Every year, we have a fight. Tucker latches onto Kevin Durant every time both men step onto the hardwood together. Durants mother, Wanda, is a businesswoman. 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 . 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 . "I'm not the first one to get traded or ask for a trade. 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%. In addition to being a Michael Jordan fan, Abhishek is There is no definitive answer to this question as the two men have never spoken publicly about their relationship, if any. Kevin Durant and P.J. 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. Alcorn State. Kevin Durant was the most widely regarded prospect among all forwards in the 2003 NBA draft. Ajayi Browne. Earlier in the quarter, Draymond tweeted about the night Durant was having. Tucker was crucial for the Bucks as he started 19 of the 23 games he played in the playoffs. During the third quarter, Tucker fouled Nets star Kevin Durant, sending him to the free-throw line. I dont understand all this little stuff. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. This series was memorable, but it's time to move on for both franchises. Tucker out of the way during an altercation involving Kevin Durant . Tucker is averaging 3.4 personal fouls per game during the series and accumulated five while guarding Durant last night. But now Dan is like a big brother to me. It is impossible to overestimate the friendship between Kyrie and Kevin. The former University of Texas star was the 35th overall pick in the second round of the 2006 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors. The NBA recently took action against Meyers Leonard for his use of an anti-Semitic slur during a video game live stream on Twitch. Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. https://netswire.usatoday.com/2021/06/19/pj-tucker-opens-up-on-kevin-durant-and-their-fierce-competition/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. I take pride in it. The former Houston Rockets had incredible duels against Kevin Durant during the entire series. Log into your account. I love my role. When Kevin Durant decided to join the Golden State Warriors in 2016, he spoke with Paul about his decision. His career averages include 22.1 points, 10.3 assists, and 2.2 boards per game. 6:24 PM - 10 Jun 2021. They went at it every single game, showing their competitive spirits in every single game. There is still uncertainty about whether or not Kyrie Irving will play in Game Seven on Wednesday, but he is expected to. Tricking myslf bcause he's killing m. "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. 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. 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. Kevin Durant also addressed Tuckers physicality earlier in this series when asked if he thought it too aggressive. This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission. It is especially so during the playoffs when he's more locked in than normal. The friendship between Tucker and Durant is a testament to the power of college basketball. However, during game 7 of the Nets vs Bucks last season, Tucker was involved in a famous trash-talking incident with Durants mom Wanda Durant. A mic'd-up P.J. [ad_1] JIMMY BUTLER INTERRUPTED his pregame warmup and made a beeline toward half court. 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. 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%. Bucks fans made Kevin Durant the villain on Thursday night. The friendship between Tucker and Durant is a testament to the power of college basketball. Recently, Shirley had the opportunity to speak with her son about his career. , 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. Learn more and register here. Rockets coach Mike DAntoni said his team won Game 3 because of Tucker, who had 7 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks. Durant is one of the best scorers in the NBA, and Tucker is known for his defensive prowess. LeBron James: Spoiled Or Inspiring Role Model? . Dan Canova is a sports reporter for Fox News Digital. NBA Rising All-Stars Game 2023: Who Is Playing and Where to Watch? Right now, while Im in the playoffs, I dont try to look back at it, Tucker told The Undefeated. Always free! As an NBA player, Tucker was never able to play with Kevin Durant at the University of Texas; he chose to leave for the NBA just before the All-Star arrived. Both players are around the same height and weight, and both have played for several different teams throughout their careers. This is just a game at the end of the day, and both players know that, just like Mrs. Durant. Brooklyn leads the series two-games-to-one with Game 4 scheduled for Sunday in Milwaukee. Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report. Even with a couple of slow games against the Los Angeles Clippers, Durant wasn't really bothered by the defense or antics of Patrick . Ive guarded him every year in the playoffs.. Who Is Keith Appling, Former NBA Player Accused of Second Degree Murder? A player like Kevin, theres no time off, you cant relax for one second. Giannis Antetokounmpo Injury Update: Will Giannis Play in the All-Star Game? 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. 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. Over the years, fans have speculated that the two dislike each other. Tucker have faced off multiple times over the years especially in the playoffs. ", JAZZ PLAYERS RECALL TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE AFTER EMERGENCY PLANE LANDING: 'THIS MIGHT BE REALLY THE END'. They have won multiple championships together, and their friendship has been well-documented. wo Longhorns went nose to nose Thursday night, and Draymond Green was amused by the whole scene. Durant and Tucker each were assessed technical fouls for the kerfuffle. Over the last few months, more videos on YouTube showed PJ clearly loving going against KD and constantly pushing him around on the court. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Report this User. Everybody dreams about scoring 30, getting the game-winner. And its big-boy basketball. Kyrie Irving Wrote a Message on His Shoes in His First Game for the Dallas Mavericks Despite Losing $11 Million Nike Deal. I got the utmost respect for Kevin, Tucker said. Butting Heads with LeBron James & All the Other Times Kevin Durant Showed His Anger. So Soft: Twitter Reacts as Kevin Durant Gets Ejected for Elbowing Pistons HOUSTON P.J. 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. Trust me. Given the stakes at hand this series, both Durant and Tucker wereinvolved in some chippy scuffles throughout. Wanda Durant wasn't happy with that and yelled at the player, telling him to play basketball. If they are not related, they are still close friends who have a lot of respect for each other. That is like a part of my job too. PJ Tucker is an American professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association. The video of the conversation between the two is the cutest thing on the internet today. PJ Tucker on if he gets discouraged guarding Kevin Durant: "No. Tucker fouled Kevin Durant, who sank both free throws while his mother sat nearby. I was like his prodigy. Tucker and Durant were engaged in a serious duel throughout the series. Tucker have been going head to head for years now, especially in the Playoffs. There is still uncertainty as to whether Irving will be able to play in Game Seven, which will air tomorrow. 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. PJ cleared everything up following a game-six victory over the Nets. 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. 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. Though they are not related, they have developed a strong bond both on and off the court. I made my way overseas. During the third quarter, Tucker fouled Nets star Kevin Durant, sending him to the free-throw line. 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. The veteran wing defender makes it his personal mission to try and stop the man that he considers to be . Tucker have been going head to head for years now, especially in the Playoffs. My first start was against KD and OKC. Despite Tucker's solid defense, Durant still scored 32 points to go along with 11 rebounds. Grown men. I enjoy it; hes the best scorer Ive ever seen in my life Thats my brother. However, since joining the NBA, the duo has faced each other on several big occasions. They had a little exchange after Tucker practically tackled Durant, sending the Nets forward to the free-throw line. Over there, it aint dropping 30 every night and being the man. Report this user for behavior that violates our Community Guidelines. All he would need to do was defend and pass the . The prospect of recruiting the nations second-best player was something that every coach wanted to pursue. During the Nets second-round playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks last season, he had numerous more interactions with KD. He writes about about basketball news, tips, NBA teams and more. I went from 15th man and non-guarantee contracts to starting. Chavez/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images. Kudos to the refs, they were letting them talk.

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