Kawhi Leonard scores 21 points in re-debut as Raptors rout Knicks in preseason

TORONTO · Kawhi Leonard scored a game-high 21 points in his re-debut for the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, leading his team to a 148-98 preseason victory over the New York Knicks. The two-time NBA Finals MVP played 17 minutes, adding five rebounds as the Raptors fielded their full starting lineup for the first time this preseason. It was Leonard's first game for Toronto since he was traded back from the Los Angeles Clippers this past summer. The Raptors improved to 2-1 in exhibition play, while the Knicks fell to 0-4.

"We came in to look focused on defence, and that was my intentions," said Leonard. "I wanted to just get out, get after it, and get tired. I still want to get in better shape. It was fun to play. The guys have been great … everybody else has just been helping me out and just trying to make the transition so easy." Leonard received the loudest cheers of the night from the Toronto crowd, especially on each of his scoring plays.

Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic said his pre-game hope was for Leonard to build chemistry with his new teammates. "His minutes are going to be limited, but it’s going to be super important to get him there with our guys on the court, to get him integrated," Rajakovic said before the game. "It’s very special that it’s happening right here at home, not on some road game, but actually playing in front of our fans in Toronto. I think it’s a very special day for him. Very special day for us. We’re super excited to get him on the floor and to play."

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Scottie Barnes added 19 points, six rebounds and four assists for Toronto. RJ Barrett of Mississauga, Ont., contributed 17 points, four rebounds and three assists. Leonard did not play in the second half, and Rajakovic benched the rest of his starters with over three minutes left in the third quarter. James Wiseman led the Knicks with 18 points, as New York did not use any of its top players in the exhibition.

Leonard was efficient in his limited action, going 6 for 12 from the field and 4 for 8 from three-point range. He finished with a plus-28 defensive rating. The Raptors built an 86-47 lead by halftime. "I tried to get those guys as much as possible on the court together, so that they could figure out the chemistry and spacing and that kind of stuff," said Rajakovic after the game. "Obviously, just his first game. He was very excited coming into this game, and I thought he did great."

Rajakovic also emphasized before the game that his primary goal for Leonard was enjoyment. "Goal for him tonight is to go out there and have a lot of fun. That’s the number 1 thing," said Rajakovic, noting Leonard had been with the Clippers for seven seasons. "I don’t expect that he’s going to pick up on terminology or all the stuff. We’re teaching him a lot, showing a lot of film, going through a lot of drills and whatnot. Once the ball goes in the air, he just needs to play basketball."

Leonard, who famously described himself as a "fun guy" during his first stint in Toronto, echoed that sentiment. "[Rajakovic] always tells me just go play basketball," said Leonard. "But I'm still learning play calls, schemes, and still trying to get in shape. I've got to just keep pushing through fatigue and just keep getting better." He also stated his role on the team is to fit in. "I'm just here to fit in," said Leonard. "But fit out a little bit just by trying to you know play great basketball and just being aggressive. I just want to help others and then help my team and hopefully play a good game."

Leonard previously played for the Raptors in the 2018-19 season, leading them to their only NBA championship before signing with the Clippers in free agency. His return to Toronto this summer was part of a trade delayed by an NBA investigation into the Clippers for salary cap circumvention. The team, its owner Steve Ballmer and several executives were severely punished, while Leonard received a relatively small fine. The completed deal sent Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, a 2027 pick swap and two second-round selections to Los Angeles.

Leonard averaged 27.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.9 steals and 0.4 blocks over 65 games for the Clippers last season. The Raptors continue their preseason schedule on Thursday with a visit to New York. They will finish exhibition play on Friday in Detroit against the Pistons. Toronto's regular season home opener is scheduled for Oct. 21 against the Chicago Bulls.

With files from The Globe and Mail and CBC News