Kawhi Leonard made a notable return to the Toronto Raptors in his first preseason game since being traded back from the Los Angeles Clippers, scoring 21 points in 17 minutes during a 148-98 victory over the New York Knicks. Leonard shot 6-for-12 from the field, including 4 of 8 from three-point range, and contributed five rebounds. The Raptors built a commanding 86-47 halftime lead, showcasing their normal starting lineup, which now includes Leonard, and shooting 57.3 percent from the field.
However, the Knicks did not field their starters, as they were playing the second leg of a back-to-back, which raises questions about the significance of the Raptors' performance. The Knicks' lineup consisted of players vying for larger roles, leading to a lopsided game that some analysts noted lacked a true competitive measure.
Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic emphasized the importance of integrating Leonard into the team while managing his minutes. Although Leonard's sharp performance was encouraging, the true test will come when the Raptors face a fully-staffed opponent.