London Olympics 2012: Andrei Kirilenko, Russia Roll Past China

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrei Kirilenko scored 16 points and grabbed nine rebounds in Russia's 73-54 win Tuesday over China.

Alexey Shved, another Minnesota off-season acquisitions, had 14 points and six assists for Russia.

Kirilenko, who also had four steals and hit 7 of 12 field goal attempts, signed a two-year, $20 million deal with Minnesota last week after playing in Moscow last season.

Speaking with reporters in London, Kirilenko said he was using the Olympics to get ready for his re-entry in to the NBA.

From the Associated Press:

"For me, it looks like European flavor on the team," said Kirilenko, referring to Ricky Rubio, Nikola Pekovic, himself and [Alexey] Shved. "For me right now, it's pretty much the same type of team-building. A lot of European guys, a lot of guys who can run the floor. Alexey is another big, big plus."

Shved is a versatile combo guard who dominated the pace of play Sunday, finding Kirilenko time and again for lob passes and backdoor cuts.

"I said prepare right now for Minnesota, that's how you're going to find me," Kirilenko said. "I think he's doing a good job. Last year we played together. We've got connection. He knows when I'm going to cut. I know when he going to start driving so I give him space. But we have to adjust to Rick's system anyway."

With the win, Russia sits atop Group B, which along with China also includes Spain, Brazil, Australia and Great Britain. Russia will next play Brazil on Thursday.