Kawhi Leonard’s Return Fuels a Raptors Blowout Win Over the Knicks

Kawhi Leonard returned to the Toronto Raptors for the first time in 2,679 days, scoring a game-high 21 points in a 148-98 preseason blowout victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night. Leonard played 17 minutes under a planned restriction by head coach Darko Rajakovic, sitting out the entire second half after helping Toronto build an 86-47 halftime lead at Scotiabank Arena.

Scottie Barnes contributed 19 points and six rebounds, while Collin Murray-Boyles added 19 points on perfect 7-of-7 shooting off the bench. The Knicks rested their starters on the second night of a back-to-back, led by James Wiseman's 18 points. Leonard is expected to play in one more preseason game before Toronto opens the regular season against Chicago on October 21.