Onto the Semifinals for Russia!
Andrei Kirilenko straight abused as Russia beat Lithuania 83-74 to reach the medal round. AK was on the court for all but 86 seconds of the game, and collected 19 points (5-8), 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks.
Russia will play Spain in the semifinals.
Russian Coach David Blatt, post-game:
“Andrei is the greatest player in the history of Russian basketball, bar none,” Blatt said. “And he is here of his own volition and leading us with his heart. In Russia, he is a Michael Jordan-like figure for us. He is our best player. He is also our hardest worker and our leader. And with him it is all coming from the heart.” (Star Tribune)
Finally (yes, I tend to notice really random things)…
Did Masha always have those arm tats? Has she gone full back like AK? Does she also play video games, and is that her character? So many questions.
After what Spain did on this tournament (losing on purpose to Brazil to avoid the USA and diving their way to the semis) words cannot express how much I’m cheering for Russia.