Dwight Powell shines as Canada tops Argentina in World Cup qualifying

The Dallas Mavericks have four players in the World Cup qualifiers going on around the globe. Luka Doncic lifted Slovenia to a win over Estonia, and Davis Bertans could not miss as Latvia topped Turkey. Tyler Dorsey played well, but Greece lost to Serbia. That left Dwight Powell as the final Maverick to play their first of two World Cup qualifiers in this window.

Powell is the Canadian National Team’s starting center, and he plays a key role in their system. The 6’10 big man is an outstanding pick and roll partner for his country too, and he has a larger offensive role for his country.

Canada dominated Argentina 99-87 in Thursday’s World Cup qualifier as DP made a significant impact on both ends of the floor. Here is a closer look at his performance and what is next.

Dwight Powell shines as Canada tops Argentina in World Cup qualifying

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

DP wasted no time on Thursday evening. He was attacking the glass and making hustle plays from the movement he stepped on the court. See him fight for an offensive rebound and get a pair of second chance points below.

Powell tricked his man with a ball fake, which turned into an easy layup. See the play below.

Dwight Powell finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, one assist, two steals, and two block in 34. 2 minutes. He was five of seven from the field in the victory. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for Canada with 23 points, and Kelly Olynyk chipped in 21 as they cruised to victory.

Powell and the Canadian National Team face Panama on Monday in their second World Cup qualifier where they can all but clinch a place in the 2023 tournament. Expect Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Powell, and the rest of the Canadian roster to be fired up as they search for their eighth straight win in qualifying. Do not miss it.