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Brooklyn Nets at Miami Heat
2026-27 · Preseason · Preseason
Kawhi Leonard scores 21 in first half of Raptors return against Knicks
Kawhi Leonard scored a game-high 21 points in 17 minutes in his first Toronto Raptors game since the 2019 championship, leading a 148-98 preseason win over the New York Knicks.
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Kawhi Leonard scored a game-high 21 points in 17 minutes in his first Toronto Raptors game since the 2019 championship, leading a 148-98 preseason win over the New York Knicks at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday, October 13.
Leonard sat out Toronto’s first two exhibitions for reasons unrelated to injury, then played only the first half in a planned limited stint. He finished 6-of-12 from the field, 4-of-8 from three and 5-of-7 at the line, with five rebounds, two steals and no turnovers. Toronto outscored New York by 28 points with him on the floor.
A special night at Scotiabank Arena
Coach Darko Rajaković called it a very special day for Leonard before tipoff, and the seven-time All-Star drew the loudest ovation in introductions, according to reports. Leonard opened with free throws, then hit a contested three for his first field goal back in Raptors red and white. Toronto led 42-22 after one quarter as the Knicks rested their regular starters.
The NBA account highlighted a corner three that bounced once on the rim before falling, echoing Leonard’s Game 7 winner against Philadelphia in the 2019 Eastern Conference semifinals.
Help around him
Scottie Barnes scored 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting, and Collin Murray-Boyles added 19 on 7-of-7 as Toronto shot 57.3 percent and built a lead that reached 53 points. James Wiseman led the Knicks with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Rajaković had said Leonard’s minutes would be limited while the staff worked him into the group. Leonard told reporters after practice last week that he felt good and was being smart about ramping up.
What comes next
Toronto and New York meet again Thursday at Madison Square Garden. The Raptors open the regular season at home against the Chicago Bulls on October 21.
WhyNBA Sports Desk
The WhyNBA Sports Desk writes basketball explainers and dated news briefs. Official references stay with each guide.
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