Dallas Mavericks: Dwight Powell struggles in loss to Czech Republic

The Dallas Mavericks already had three players punch their tickets to the Olympic Qualifying tournament finals across the globe. Luka Doncic was unbelievable as he lifted Slovenia to one-win away from Tokyo. Boban Marjanovic and Nicolo Melli will go head-to-head for a berth in the Olympics on Sunday. Dwight Powell was the fourth and final Maverick looking to punch his ticket to the finals.

Canada faced the Czech Republic on Saturday in their toughest test yet. Dwight Powell and his countrymen were favored coming into the must-win game, but the host trailed virtually the entire game. Canada made a comeback but fell short in the semifinals.

Here is a closer look at Powell’s performance and what to expect from the Mavs big man for the remainder of the offseason.

Dallas Mavericks big man Dwight Powell struggles as Canada falls to Czech Republic

Dwight Powell earned his third straight start. The Czech Republic had the early lead, but he had six points, one rebound, and one assist in 6.7 minutes in the opening quarter.

Canada fell further behind after scoring just 17 points in the second stanza. They were down by eight at the half and needed to get their 3-point shooting on track. Powell failed to score in the second quarter, but he was setting screens and work hard on the glass.

DP exited after less than three minutes in the third quarter because he picked up his third foul. The Czech Republic had a seven-point advantage heading into the final ten minutes, but Canada made a late third-quarter run to push their way back into it.

The home team played hard on Saturday but fell short. Dwight Powell finished with six points, three rebounds, and two assists in 23.5 minutes. He fouled out with less than two minutes remaining in the loss.

The Canadians made an improbably fourth quarter comeback after trailing by double digits in the final minutes. They forced overtime, but the Czech Republic picked up the 103-101 win on July 3 to advance to the final.

The loss knocks out Dwight Powell and Canada. Expect the Dallas Mavericks big man to continue improving his game this summer as he prepares for next season. Fans know Powell is one of the hardest workers in the league, and he will be in top shape for the start of training camp.