Kawhi Leonard returns to Raptors in dominant preseason debut against Knicks

Kawhi Leonard made his long-awaited return to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, scoring a game-high 21 points and grabbing rebounds in 17 minutes of play as the Raptors defeated the New York Knicks in preseason action.

It was Leonard's first game for the Raptors since being traded back by the Los Angeles Clippers this past summer, after the NBA investigated the deal for potential salary cap circumvention. Leonard received a relatively small fine from the league, and the trade sent Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, a 2027 pick swap and two second-round selections to Los Angeles.

Leonard previously led the Raptors to their only NBA championship in the 2018-19 season before signing a free-agent deal with the Clippers. He sat out Toronto's first two exhibition games before making his debut Tuesday, which was the first time the Raptors fielded all their starters this preseason.

Scottie Barnes added 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists for Toronto, while RJ Barrett scored 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Leonard did not play in the second half after head coach Darko Rajakovic benched the remaining starters.

"We came in to look focused on defence, and that was my intentions," Leonard told the Star. "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." Rajakovic called Leonard's integration "a very special day" for both the player and the franchise.

The Raptors' record is now 2-1 in preseason play.