Dwight Powell shines as Canada beat Argentina in World Cup qualifier

The Dallas Mavericks have four players in the World Cup qualifiers taking place around the world. Luka Doncic carried Slovenia to a win over Estonia, and Davis Bertans couldn’t miss as Latvia dominated Turkey. Tyler Dorsey played well, but Greece lost to Serbia. That left Dwight Powell as the last Maverick to play their first of two World Cup qualifiers in this window.

Powell is the starting center for the Canadian national team and plays a key role in their system. The 6’10 big man is also an exceptional pick and roll partner for his country, and he has a bigger attacking role for his country.

Canada outscored Argentina 99-87 in Thursday’s World Cup qualifier as DP made a significant impact on both sides of the pitch. Here’s a look at his performance and what’s next.

Powell is the starting center for Canada, and they have one of the most talented rosters. Their win over Argentina took them 7-0 up in qualifying, and they are well on their way to reaching the World Cup.

DP wasted no time on Thursday night. He was attacking the glass and making commotion games from the movement he had made on the ground. See him battle for an offensive rebound and get a pair of second chance points below.

Powell cheated on his man with a fake fly ball, which turned into an easy layup. See the game below.

Dwight Powell finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks in 34.2 minutes. He was five of seven on the pitch in the win. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for Canada with 23 points, and Kelly Olynyk added 21 as they cruised to victory.

Powell and the Canadian national team will face Panama on Monday in their second World Cup qualifier where they can virtually only clinch a berth in the 2023 tournament. Expect Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Powell and the rest of the Canadian squad are excited as they seek their eighth straight qualifying victory. Don’t miss it.