Kawhi Leonard displays 2-way prowess in preseason debut with Raptors

Kawhi Leonard scored 21 first-half points in his 2026 preseason debut Tuesday as the Toronto Raptors faced the New York Knicks at Scotiabank Arena. Starting alongside Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Jakob Poeltl, Leonard added five rebounds and two steals in under 17 minutes of action. Toronto dominated the shorthanded Knicks, who rested key starters following a game the previous night, building a first-half lead of up to 41 points.

The game marked Leonard's first appearance since the LA Clippers traded him to Toronto in a package that included Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and multiple draft picks. Leonard had missed the Raptors' first two preseason contests for reconditioning before returning to the court under head coach Darko Rajaković.