During the interview, he revealed what exactly did he say to Kevin Durants mom during game 7 of Nets vs Bucks. PJ Tucker opens up on Kevin Durant and their fierce competition. Getty Brooklyn's Kevin Durant and Milwaukee's P.J. Dan Canova is a sports reporter for Fox News Digital. 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. Bettors are focusing on the latter. Kudos to the refs, they were letting them talk. , If it wasnt for my wife and my agent, I wouldnt have come back. championships in store before the former retires. The man deserves a raise. 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. Tucker out of the way during an altercation involving Kevin Durant . He feels that the team has a great chance to win a championship this season. PJ made it clear that he loves going against KD, constantly pushing each other on the court. Market data provided by Factset. This article first appeared on Sideline Sources and was syndicated with permission. Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Josef Castillo is a basketball coach and the owner of a basketball blog called bashabearsbasketball.com. Tucker fouled Kevin Durant and sent him to the free-throw line. He is great friends - "brothers," in his words - with Nets star Kevin Durant, and adding a player of Tucker's ilk would provide a much-needed toughness and frontcourt floor spacing to a . I love my role. Tricking myslf bcause he's killing m. Results reveal seven composites of closeness in interethnic friendship: disclosure, comfort, compatibility, reappraisal of the characters and other ethnic groups, support, similarity, and . Tucker has had minimal success guarding Kevin Durant, it will be interesting to see if Antetokounmpo will attempt to go star-on . Cameron Johnson praises how the Brooklyn Nets showed resilience in Friday's comeback win over the Boston Celtics. He replied saying nah, its the playoffs. Both players have mutual respect for each other, and they are friends off the court. I played hard. The Bucks and Nets found themselves in a rock fight on Thursday, with Milwaukee taking an early 30-9 . P.J. He only made it to the NCAA tournament once. 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. However, Tucker cleared up any assumptions of the two sharing bad blood. 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. your password Tucker, a defensive pest during that series, from the Heat in free agency, a move that left Philadelphia penalized by the NBA for . Dan told me, I want you to get the best player on every team and shut them down, Tucker said. Who Is Mikal Bridges Girlfriend Grainger Rosati? This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. The NBA reprimanded the Brooklyn Nets security guard who aggressively knocked the Milwaukee Bucks' P.J. This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission. 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. I was like, I am going to turn this money down? It was for way less money, Tucker said. I got successful. Durants mother, Wanda, is a businesswoman. Tucker have been going head to head for years now, especially in the Playoffs. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Interest-Based Ads | EU Privacy Rights | Cookie Policy | Manage Preferences. In response to a question posed on Twitter, Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant identified Houston Rockets forward P.J. journalistic experience with Chase Your Sport and Dribl. Following a win in Game 6 over the Nets, Milwaukee Bucks forward PJ Tucker praised Kevin Durant. When asked about how it feels to guard someone as close to unstoppable as KD, Tucker said, Its painful. 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. Jun 19, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) controls the ball against Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. The Suns are +450 to win a championship. Tucker is siding with Brooklyn Nets starKevin Durant. Tucker: First debit card I ever had was because of eBay so I could buy shoes, The complete and insane list of P.J. Throughout the series, Tucker has been a constant thorn in Durants side on the defensive end. You love to see these moments to find out how intense the playoffs are. Over there, it aint dropping 30 every night and being the man. 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. And its big-boy basketball. Although P.J. It was the first overtime game in the NBA since 2006 and the first in a series since 1987. PJ Tucker planned to spend the rest of his NBA career with the Miami Heat, but business got in the way. From 2007-12, Tucker played in Israel, Ukraine, Italy, Greece, Montenegro, Puerto Rico, Germany and Russia. This is something I want to do. Tucker has been going after Durant on the defensive end all series long, and he has done well against Durant. Tucker said he did everything wrong his rookie year and admitted his ego caused him to believe he was destined for NBA stardom instantly. 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. Then-Suns general manager Lance Blanks offered Tucker a non-guaranteed training camp invite during summer league play. Market data provided by Factset. Wanda Durant trash talks PJ Tucker during Game 7. "He didn't do nothing wrong," Tucker told the website. But it makes me super humble to be here with every game, every moment. 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 two have been teammates on the USA Basketball team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Golden State Warriors. Durant was exposed by Michael Rapaport for using homophobic slurs in a private Instagram conversation. You feel like youre better than anybody. Can you name every NBA starting player (according to ESPN.com)? He will be playing alongside Devin Booker, a player he has been following since college. We dream about this our whole lives. P.J. We bet on him. Report this User. Im fighting for every inch. If they are not related, they are still close friends who have a lot of respect for each other. June 19, 2021 2:30 pm ET. Durant and Tucker each were assessed technical fouls for the kerfuffle. Tucker has worked hard all series to get to Kevin Durant on the defensive end. 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. The most hyped prospect since the 2003 draft class was Kevin Durant. 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.. "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. Dan used to sic me on people. A Football Management This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Me and Kevin fight every year. Saturday was an important day for the Brooklyn Nets and the . Brooklyn received unprotected picks in 2023, 2025 . Tucker played for 20 minutes and finished with three . It keeps me strong. PJ Tucker, on the other hand, prevailed in the end. Giannis Antetokounmpo Injury Update: Will Giannis Play in the All-Star Game? Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Devin Booker scored 37 points and Deandre Ayton had 16 points and 16 rebounds in the Suns' seventh victory in 10 games. Emailed daily. Though they are not related, they have developed a strong bond both on and off the court. PJ also spoke about how much he loves living in Houston. But Tucker said his wife, Tracy, and his agent told him he should give the league one more try. I played both ends of the court. Tucker went from one-and-done in the NBA to an eight-year veteran who has made $26 million in the league. He told Tucker he believed he could have a place in the NBA as a primary defender. The Milwaukee Bucks were led by Giannis Antekounmpos 40 points in the second half. Tuckers mother, Sharon, is a retired teacher. Game-Seven will air tomorrow, and there still is uncertainty whether Nets player Kyrie Irving will play. Tonight, Kevin Durant will take the floor for the first time as . "The Snake himself is now threatening me, bringing up my wife and wants to fight. He played college basketball for the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a two-time All-Big 12 honorable mention. In addition to being close friends, Kyrie and Kevin have dealt with a lot together. They went at it every single game, showing their competitive spirits in every single game. src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=674090812743125&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/>. 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 . an ardent Steph Curry and Warriors guy, and believes they have a few more At the time of his tweet, Durant had just 11 points on 4-of-16 shooting and 0-of-2 from 3-point range. Like, Ill die out there. Tucker was crucial for the Bucks as he started 19 of the 23 games he played in the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/wB4IvtAUxv. I love what I do. Despite what it looks like on the court, PJ Tucker had nothing but good things to say about his rival Kevin Durant. Its crazy., Said Buck: We took a chance. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. 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. And he was a fan favorite in Milwaukee despite not being a regular starter initially. Brooklyn leads the series two-games-to-one with Game 4 scheduled for Sunday in Milwaukee. Tucker has always . 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: 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. why Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo hasnt been defending Durant. I know what I could do. In the 2017-18 NBA season, Durant . Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. Its the playoffs, said Tucker. There is still uncertainty as to whether Irving will be able to play in Game Seven, which will air tomorrow. October 30, 2021 10:43 am ET. Because hes happy to be here., P.J. That was one of the worst years of my life, Tucker said. He said he learned how to play professional basketball while overseas. PJ told his mother that he is very happy with his current situation with the Houston Rockets. I cant believe TNT caught it. You can really change games that way.. (Durants) like, stop fighting with Blake. 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 former Houston Rockets had incredible duels against Kevin Durant during the entire series. However, they were teammates on the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors, so its possible they are at least friendly. PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant were teammates during their college days at the University of Texas. I was going to get paid a couple million [in Russia]. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports. Wanda also shared a touching moment with KD after the game, hugging and consoling the player. They helped the Longhorns reach the NCAA tournament in 2006 and 2007, with Durant being named the tournaments Most Outstanding Player in 2007. 66. PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are two professional basketball players who have played together on multiple teams throughout their careers. PJ Tucker came out on top in the end. Tucker and Kevin Durant's mom exchanged some words in a light-hearted moment during Game 7 on Saturday. 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. the AFC Champions League. USA TODAY. Theyre down 2. To be out of the NBA for that long to now having played as much as Ive played and have an impact that I am having on a team like this, I dont know if anyone has ever done it.. Given it was a do-or-die game, of course everyone involved is going to be tense. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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. Thats not really what I want people to see and hear from me," Durant said. NBA player P.J. She said just give it one more shot. PJ Tuckers mother, Shirley Tucker, is a Durrant native. Me and Kevin fight every year I love guarding him. PJ Tucker on his relationship with Kevin Durant: Every year, we have a fight. It sounds crazy, but this is my dream. Alcorn State. However, since joining the NBA, the duo has faced each other on several big occasions. 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. Two Longhorns went nose to nose Thursday night, and Draymond Green was amused by the whole scene. It's like 'OK man, that was incredible, yu made that. Though they are not related by blood, the two have developed a strong bond both on and off the court. I was done fighting, trying to prove myself, Tucker said. Returning to the court after recovering from a knee injury . PJ Tucker on his relationship with Kevin Durant: Every year, we have a fight. Butting Heads with LeBron James & All the Other Times Kevin Durant Showed His Anger. Yall stand there and I turn around. Copyright 2023 YB Media, LLC. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. 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. WATCH THIS STORY: Butting Heads with LeBron James & All the Other Times Kevin Durant Showed His Anger. 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. wo Longhorns went nose to nose Thursday night, and Draymond Green was amused by the whole scene. Over the years, fans have speculated that the two dislike each other. Durant and Rapaport have had a relationship in the past. He doesnt have a position. I knew I could play. Carlos Garcia, Game 7 6/20/2021. or redistributed. Im living my dream right now guarding Kevin Durant in the NBA playoffs.. That was a battle every single night. 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 . New conversation. Rockets P.J. More on this storyline. Tucker said he has nothing but love for Durant. 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. Abhishek is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports with over two years of This rumor has never been confirmed, but the two players have a close relationship and often speak highly of each other in interviews. He used to be able to dunk on you, but he hasnt been able to in years and his knees still hurt. It was crazy how they caught it and the timing of it, but it was that was for sure my moment of the playoffs.. 4,763 Likes. However, Tucker managed to have a bit of fun with Durant's mother, Wanda Durant, during the third quarter of the game. It is impossible to overestimate the friendship between Kyrie and Kevin. I remember it. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Aldridge played for the Longhorns from 2002-2006, while Durant played for the Longhorns from 2006-2007. Copyright 2023 YB Media, LLC. They didnt need me. Tucker and Kevin Durants mom exchanged some words in a light-hearted moment during Game 7 on Saturday. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. He out there tackling them. Earlier in the quarter, Draymond tweeted about the night Durant was having. 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. The eight-year veteran is relishing his role after a humbling start to his career. It keeps me ticking. P.J. Im living my dream. , 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. We gt fac to fac. Tucker has two older brothers, Paul and Phillip.