PJ Tuckers mother, Shirley Tucker, is a Durrant native. why Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo hasnt been defending Durant. , 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. 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. Bryn Forbes Wife and Kids: Is Forbes Married? But I didnt know what it meant to be a pro.. This series was memorable, but it's time to move on for both franchises. This league has gotten so soft, security ran on the court , Wait. Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. However, Tucker managed to have a bit of fun with Durant's mother, Wanda Durant, during the third quarter of the game. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. The two players have also been linked together off the court, as they are rumored to be brothers. Chris Paul won the Olympic gold medal with Chris Paul in 2012. Even with a couple of slow games against the Los Angeles Clippers, Durant wasn't really bothered by the defense or antics of Patrick . Always free! Tucker (17) in the first quarter during game seven in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. 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. "The Snake himself is now threatening me, bringing up my wife and wants to fight. Tuckers 2018 NBA playoff sneakers, James Harden is disrespecting the unwritten rules of the game. Both Tucker and Durant were born to African-American mothers. NBA player P.J. 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. Author: Tucker and Kevin Durant's mom exchanged some words in a light-hearted moment during Game 7 on Saturday. Im thinking Im all-world, and that is how every college guy thinks that coming in. Kevin Durant and P.J. Kevin Durants idol and strongest support is his mom. The former Houston Rockets had incredible duels . What did Kevin Durant's mother say to PJ Tucker? Is Luka Doncics Health At Risk? The Nets, of course, lost to the Bucks in the last seconds of the game. F inal. The two were cursing and throwing insults at each other and the former NBA MVP called Rapaport a "fkin pale ck sucker.". 0:00. However, several league sources say Tucker will choose the Sixers' three-year, $30 million offer over opportunities to remain in Miami or go back to Milwaukee after free agency begins at 6 p.m . Giannis Antetokounmpo Injury Update: Will Giannis Play in the All-Star Game? Either way, the two players have had a positive impact on each others careers. Kevin Durant and LaMarcus Aldridge went to the same University of Texas school as each other, but they werent teammates during their college years. So, I was talking crazy, and she was like I was in him (Durant), Tucker told JJ Redick. In fact, Tucker went on to win the first championship of his career. There is no definitive answer to this question as the two men have never spoken publicly about their relationship, if any. Nets star Kevin Durant and Bucks forward P.J. I played both ends of the court. She was like hes not playing basketball; he playing football. During the third quarter of the game, P.J. PJ Tucker planned to spend the rest of his NBA career with the Miami Heat, but business got in the way. NBA Trade Rumors: Insider Believes Rift Between Anthony Davis and LeBron James Could Leave to DallasMavericksMove. 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 . I enjoy it; hes the best scorer Ive ever seen in my life Thats my brother. Tucker and Kevin Love have a long history of competing against each other in college and the NBA. The media could not be played. 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. PJ made it clear that he loves going against KD, constantly pushing each other on the court. 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. 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 had something of a contentious relationship throughout the Brooklyn . 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. However, the Bucks pushed the series to game-seven, where Tucker and Durant will have another opportunity to put everything on the line. Tucker: First debit card I ever had was because of eBay so I could buy shoes, The complete and insane list of P.J. 2 min read. Throughout the series, Tucker has been a constant thorn in Durants side on the defensive end. Bettors are focusing on the latter. 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. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM. 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. Given it was a do-or-die game, of course everyone involved is going to be tense. Yall stand there and I turn around. Jun 19, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) controls the ball against Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. They helped the Longhorns reach the NCAA tournament in 2006 and 2007, with Durant being named the tournaments Most Outstanding Player in 2007. And he was a fan favorite in Milwaukee despite not being a regular starter initially. In fact, Tucker never got to play with Durant at Texas, instead going to the NBA just before the All-Star arrived. Durant, of course, previously played with the Golden State Warriors, who faced Tucker and the Rockets in the past two NBA playoffs. P.J. I signed a two-year deal in Russia for all the money. Rockets P.J. My [NBA] minimum was so low. Marc J. Spears is the senior NBA writer for Andscape. When asked about how it feels to guard someone as close to unstoppable as KD, Tucker said, Its painful. Tucker went from one-and-done in the NBA to an eight-year veteran who has made $26 million in the league. 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. 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 . 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. He claimed to be an NBA All-Star level player during his high school career as a forward for the Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rocketes. New team, same Kevin Durant. Trust me. Tucker was drafted in the year (2006), and in the same year, Kevin Durant became the freshman at the University of Texas. PJ Tucker on his relationship with Kevin Durant: Every year, we have a fight. (Durants) like, stop fighting with Blake. Im like, yeah, you right. Results reveal seven composites of closeness in interethnic friendship: disclosure, comfort, compatibility, reappraisal of the characters and other ethnic groups, support, similarity, and . 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. Wanda also shared a touching moment with KD after the game, hugging and consoling the player. Hes the best scorer Ive ever seen in my life; I enjoy watching him play. Tucker has two older brothers, Paul and Phillip. that peaked in the third quarter when a pair of former texas longhorns got tangled, as kevin durant and pj tucker came face to face to have words from a very close proximity after tucker got. Tucker. KD might be a grown man now but when someone plays dirty with him, his mom is still going to protect her son. Im living my dream right now guarding Kevin Durant in the NBA playoffs.. I got him a few times like real, like some tough hits. Tucker, a defensive pest during that series, from the Heat in free agency, a move that left Philadelphia penalized by the NBA for . I gambled on myself, but I didnt want to. Tucker has worked hard all series to get to Kevin Durant on the defensive end. Tuckers mother, Sharon, is a retired teacher. 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 P.J. Rockets coach Mike DAntoni said his team won Game 3 because of Tucker, who had 7 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks. Lamarcus Aldridge and Kevin Durant both played college basketball for the Texas Longhorns, but not at the same time. Getty Brooklyn's Kevin Durant and Milwaukee's P.J. Join us for a March Madness Webinar on Tuesday, March 7 at 8pm ET. Following a win in Game 6 over the Nets, Milwaukee Bucks forward PJ Tucker praised Kevin Durant. Tucker have faced off multiple times over the years especially in the playoffs. Tucker and Blanks were actually friends with University of Texas ties. The prospect of recruiting the nations second-best player was something that every coach wanted to pursue. Tucker have been going head to head for years now, especially in the Playoffs. The playoffs this year have been a roller-coaster ride. If NBA broadcasters ever wanted to offer an uncensored, mic'd-up option to watch entire games, people would . The two have complementary skillsets that have helped them form a successful partnership both on and off the court. Wanda also shared a touching moment with KD after the game, hugging and consoling the player, 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. When a prospective freshman named Kevin Durant visited the Austin campus, however, Tucker felt his . Tucker was a freshman when Durant was a sophomore and the two formed a formidable partnership on the court. New conversation. At the time of his tweet, Durant had just 11 points on 4-of-16 shooting and 0-of-2 from 3-point range. I was like his prodigy. 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 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. your username. All he would need to do was defend and pass the . 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 . All rights reserved. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Interest-Based Ads | EU Privacy Rights | Cookie Policy | Manage Preferences. I love guarding him, said the 36-year-old Bucks forward. Despite Tucker's solid defense, Durant still scored 32 points to go along with 11 rebounds. The former University of Texas star was the 35th overall pick in the second round of the 2006 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors. Tucker Is Happy Being the Underdog. PJ Tucker is an American professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association. All rights reserved. Vin Diesel and Post Malone Onboard to Feature at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game, Is Giannis Antetokounmpo Playing Tonight Against the Bulls? 5 hours ago - via Twitter JGrasso_ I remember it. Vote For Luka Doni To Make The 2020 NBA All-Star Team! PJ Tucker on if he gets discouraged guarding Kevin Durant: "No. 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. However, Tucker got the better of Durant last season as the Bucks brushed past the Nets in the playoffs. But Tucker is making Durant work. 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. That was a battle every single night. Alex Hinton breaks down his top NBA player prop picks for Wednesday, March 1, including plays on Donovan Mitchell and Jimmy Butler. Legal Statement. Tucker: Im living my dream right now guarding Kevin Durant, Why does P.J. That was a decision I had made.. The most hyped prospect since the 2003 draft class was Kevin Durant. 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. NBA Playoffs: Is Kawhi Leonard playing in Game 1 vs Phoenix Suns. PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are two professional basketball players who have a lot in common. Tucker play so hard? Tucker played for 20 minutes and finished with three . Copyright 2023 YB Media, LLC. I was going to get paid a couple million [in Russia]. Tucker. Ajayi Browne. Abhishek is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports with over two years of 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%. 0:53. Tucker was crucial for the Bucks as he started 19 of the 23 games he played in the playoffs. His three All-Defensive First Team selections in 2014 and 2016 make him an All-Defensive First Team member for three straight years. Aldridge played for the Longhorns from 2002-2006, while Durant played for the Longhorns from 2006-2007. Miami Heat forward P.J. Given the stakes at hand this series, both Durant and Tucker wereinvolved in some chippy scuffles throughout. H's gnna scre 50." wo Longhorns went nose to nose Thursday night, and Draymond Green was amused by the whole scene. by Josef Castillo | Dec 28, 2022 | Famous Players. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Tucker has had minimal success guarding Kevin Durant, it will be interesting to see if Antetokounmpo will attempt to go star-on . It is impossible to overestimate the friendship between Kyrie and Kevin. If the rumors are true, then PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are brothers who have found success in the NBA. Tucker during on-court dispute. Majerle called Tucker a man after my own heart for how hard he played and for taking all the tough defensive assignments. This is something I want to do. PJ Tuckers relationship with Kevin Durant: Its every year that we fight. P.J. your password PJ Tucker opens up on Kevin Durant and their fierce competition. You dream about being in the playoffs and guarding the best player in the world. My wife just had my son. Tucker delightfully complimented Kevin Durant after getting scored on. Tucker have been going head to head for years now, especially in the Playoffs. 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. The Real MVP trash talk between Mama Durant and PJ Tucker revealed. 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. I couldnt get reps in practice. 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. After coming back from a 28-point deficit on Friday, Mikal Bridges feels that offense isn't the issue for the Nets. 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. Im fighting for every inch. This of course, was a result of competitive spirit and nothing more as the two are great friends off the court. Tucker is relishing the daunting challenge. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Id rather be the man in Europe and win that respect. Josef Castillo is a basketball coach and the owner of a basketball blog called bashabearsbasketball.com. In fact, Tucker never got to play with Durant at Texas, instead going to the NBA just before the All-Star arrived. https://netswire.usatoday.com/2021/06/19/pj-tucker-opens-up-on-kevin-durant-and-their-fierce-competition/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. It was crazy how they caught it and the timing of it, but it was that was for sure my moment of the playoffs.. Tucker said he sees the NBA through a different lens now and truly appreciates every single game he plays. In the Rockets second-round matchup against the Warriors, it hasnt been easy. Durant said something after the call by the refs and Tucker took exception, getting in Durant's face. I say, Im happy to be here. For real.. Dorian Finney-Smith is relieved to finally being able to hit some shots. The Bucks beat the Nets to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals after two years, eliminating the biggest favorite to the title. Kevin Durant and P.J. I was done, man. The man deserves a raise. They have kept in touch over the years and have even been known to exchange text messages during games. However, since joining the NBA, the duo has faced each other on several big occasions. 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. One might say the series between the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets truly became a series when P.J. Everybody dreams about scoring 30, getting the game-winner. When Kevin Durant decided to join the Golden State Warriors in 2016, he spoke with Paul about his decision. I dont understand all this little stuff. They always push each other on the court, which is a big part of their chemistry. Tucker has been going after Durant on the defensive end all series long, and he has done well against Durant. Tucker and Durant were engaged in a serious duel throughout the series. Please check your email for a confirmation. Seven years later, Tucker is still in the NBA and guarding 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. Coming back? We gt fac to fac. PJ continued telling reporters about the respect he has for Durant. It was tough being away from home, Tucker said. I was comfortable with it. 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. There aren't many guys who can get under Durant's skin when he has the ball in his hands. graduate, he has previously interned in the Indian Super League, I-League and The Suns are +450 to win a championship. 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. So the Raleigh, North Carolina, native went on an international odyssey over the next five years. WATCH THIS STORY: Butting Heads with LeBron James & All the Other Times Kevin Durant Showed His Anger. 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 .