{
  "id": 14341153,
  "title": "Kawhi Leonard drops 21 points in opening half of Raptors preseason debut after Clippers trade, scandal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/kawhi-leonard-drops-21-points-in-opening-half-of-raptors-preseason",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-14T01:34:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/kawhi-leonard-drops-21-points-in-opening-half-of-raptors-preseason-debut-after-clippers-trade-scandal-013454152.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kawhi Leonard made a strong return to the Toronto Raptors in their preseason opening night victory over the New York Knicks. The former Clippers star, traded to Toronto after a cap circumvention scandal, scored 21 points and made four three-pointers during his 17 minutes on the court. Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic praised Leonard's performance, calling it a \"very special day\" for both him and the team. Five Raptors players also scored in double figures as the Raptors dominated the Knicks with a 148-98 win. Leonard signed a two-year, $115 million extension with the Raptors last month, signaling his commitment to the team.",
  "summary": "Kawhi Leonard was dealt to the Raptors earlier this offseason once his scandal with the Clippers was settled with the league.",
  "key_points": [
    "Kawhi Leonard scores 21 points in Raptors' preseason win",
    "Leonard makes four three-pointers in 17 minutes",
    "Raptors defeat Knicks 148-98 with five players scoring in double figures"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Leonard's efficient preseason scoring provides an immediate boost to a Toronto roster looking to validate the massive financial commitment made through his recent two-year contract extension.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Kawhi Leonard to re-debut for Raptors tonight in pre-season game vs. Knicks",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/kawhi-leonard-to-re-debut-for-raptors-tonight-in-pre-season-game-vs",
        "published": "2026-10-13T21:23:57.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Global News",
        "title": "Leonard to re-debut for Raptors tonight",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/leonard-to-re-debut-for-raptors-tonight",
        "published": "2026-10-13T21:24:55.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}