Dallas Mavericks Center Receives Yet Another Cheap Shot From France’s Rudy Gobert

Dwight Powell may hold the unofficial record for being hit in the face the most during basketball games. Despite limited playing time last season, there’s a dedicated Twitter/X account tracking each time he’s hit. This trend continues even in international play.

On Friday, Powell’s Team Canada faced Team France in an exhibition game featuring Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert. The Dallas Mavericks had previously faced Gobert’s Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals, a series marked by tension. This tension appeared to spill over into international play, as Gobert threw a ball directly at Powell’s face during the game.

Gobert was out of bounds when he threw the ball at Powell in frustration. Despite attempting only six shots, Gobert finished with 12 points and 6 rebounds. Canada ultimately won the game 85-73, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 23 points, while Powell contributed four points.

Powell remains on the Mavericks’ roster as a third center option, capable of filling in for either Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively II. Although his playing time has decreased due to declining mobility with age, he still serves as a valuable veteran presence in the locker room.