The PJ Tucker-Kevin Durant duels have become one of the favorites within the NBA community. Fans always enjoy these two going at it on the court, barking at each other after every play, showing their passion for basketball.
Just last year, we saw them battling it out in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoff. The Milwaukee Bucks got the best of the Brooklyn Nets, eliminating Kevin Durant in seven games to continue their quest for the championship.
KD and Tucker went at it every single game, with things getting heated between them at some point. PJ is part of the Miami Heat this year, but he’s maintained the same intensity against Kevin Durant.
When speaking with JJ Redick, the veteran player explained his mentality going against Durant. It’s nearly impossible to stop a player as dominant as the 2x NBA champion, but PJ always keeps trying, challenging his rival to give him more buckets.
“No. It’s like ‘OK man, that was incredible, you made that. Now do it again. Do it again.’ Bеcause I’m not gonna stop. We got face to face. I’m not going anywhere. Tricking myself because he’s killing me. He’s got 50. He’s gonna score 50.”
P.J. Tucker on guarding Kevin Durant: “He’s gonna score 50…I’m gonna make him work harder than anybody. I’m gonna work him because he’s going to score.”
(via @OldManAndThree)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 29, 2021
On Wednesday, they saw each other for the first time of the season. KD scored 25 points, but Tucker made sure to make life hard for him. He shot 2-6 FG (33.3%) and turned the ball over four times when guarded by Tucker. Ultimately, the Heat won the game, giving the Nets another hit in this tumultuous start to the season.
The Heat added PJ and Kyle Lowry in the offseason, becoming contenders in the East. They have beaten the Bucks and the Nets in the first games of the season, confirming they are ready to make some noise in the league.
Fans hope to see these two teams clash in the postseason to have another edition of this duel. Once the playoff start, Tucker and KD reach the next level and give us incredible contests like they did last season.
