Archive for CSKA Moscow
International Timberwolves Watch
Alexey Shved rises about China’s Zhou Peng for the Shot
Attention Minnesota Timberwolves fans, stop watching Team USA cruise to the gold in basketball and tune into the Russian squad. Two of Minnesota’s new additions this off season in Andrei Kirilenko and Alexey Shved have been very dominate in International play.
In Russia’s 95-75 win over Great Britain Kirilenko was absolutely the best player on the court. Not only did he scorch Great Britain for 35points he also put in a great defensive performance by adding two steals, three blocks, and four rebounds. Kirilenko wasn’t the only one turning heads against Great Britain either. Alexey Shved, who has been dubbed the “Russian Ricky Rubio” for his on-court flair put on a great show. He dished out 13 assists (most to Kirilenko)in which he displayed amazing instincts, court vision, and ball handling. After the game Russia’s head coach David Blatt said “If I’m the Minnesota Timberwolves, I’ve got a big, fat smile on my face.” In regards to the performances of Kirilenko and Shved.
Although the duo didn’t put up quite the same ridiculous numbers in their win against China both put in solid performances. Kirilenko finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, four steals, and one block. Shved added 14 points and six assists however showed his youth with three turnovers.
Kirilenko and Shved have thoroughly impressed the last two games although their performances should be taken with a grain of salt. Kirilenko isn’t as young as he once was and Shved will need time to transition to life in the NBA. If they do continue this high level of play in the NBA Timberwolves fans will soon be saying “Nicolas Batum, who?”
talkTCsports 