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

Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard returned to the court after a two-month absence, playing his first game with the team in two,679 days. The 21-point performance was a highlight in the Raptors' 148-98 win over the New York Knicks at Scotiabank Arena. This marked the first time in preseason games that all starting players shared the floor together.

The game came three days after a victory over the Clippers, where the Raptors showcased their improved performance without Leonard. Leonard started strong with consecutive free throws, and later added a three-pointer, finishing the game 6-of-12 from the field, 4-of-8 from three, and 5-of-7 at the line. Toronto outscored New York by 28 points during Leonard's playing time.

With Rajakovic announcing Leonard's minutes limit, the Raptors quickly built a 86-47 lead in the second half. Rajakovic highlighted the importance of putting the core players together to build chemistry and spacing, which the Raptors displayed effectively. Scottie Barnes led the scoring with 19 points, RJ Barrett added 17 points, and Immanuel Quickley contributed eight points.

The supporting cast played a crucial role, with players like Jakob Poeltl, Collin Murray-Boyles, and Ja’Kobe Walter contributing significantly. The bench's depth was proven as several players scored double-digit points, indicating Toronto's potential strength in the future. While the Knicks struggled in this preseason game, the Raptors' performance demonstrated the effectiveness of their second unit, with strong defensive plays and versatile lineup options.

The win answered questions about Leonard's fit with the core, showing that Barnes and Barrett could score around him without forcing the issue. However, concerns remain regarding Quickley's shooting and Graves's efficiency. Leonard is expected to play again in the preseason before Toronto's season opener against the Bulls on October 21.