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Kirilenko: 'I'm Running Like A Young deer'

LONDON (AP) — Andrei Kirilenko says the time was right for a return to the NBA. After his first game for Russia in the Olympics, it's hard to argue with him.

Kirilenko scored 35 points on 14-for-17 shooting to lead Russia to a 95-75 victory over Britain on Sunday.

Speaking to American media for the first time since he signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, Kirilenko says he feels great after skipping last season to play in his native Moscow.

Kirilenko will be bringing Russian teammate Alexey Shved with him to the Timberwolves next season. Shved had 16 points and 13 assists against Britain.

Russian coach David Blatt says "If I'm the Minnesota Timberwolves, I have a big, fat smile on my face."

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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