Leonard erupts for 21 points in a half during Toronto’s preseason dub

The 17,884 fans who flocked to Scotiabank Arena in Canada left smiling after watching the returning Kawhi Leonard put on an offensive masterclass.

In just 16 minutes of NBA preseason action, the man who gave them their only championship title put on a show, dropping 21 points in the first half during the Toronto Raptors’ 148-98 one-sided win over the New York Knicks on Oct. 14, 2026.

“I just want to fit in,” Leonard told reporters.

“Whatever’s needed. Me above the ball, if I can sprint corner, and if the shot doesn’t count, I will just have to give anybody a lane for a drive to the basket.”

Leonard scored his first bucket off a spot-up 3-pointer at the 8:26 mark of the opening quarter, followed by a quick steal and a fadeaway jumper from the left baseline that brought the crowd to its feet.

The two-way superstar then caught fire, bullying New York’s interior defenders with aggressive drives to the basket and physical putback layups.

Before sitting out the entire second half, Leonard detonated two more bombs from downtown and got to the charity stripe three times, cashing in on 5-of-7 attempts from the free-throw line.

Leonard concluded his preseason debut with 21 points on an efficient 6-of-12 shooting from the field, including 4-of-8 from the 3-point line, alongside five rebounds and two steals.

“It feels good,” Leonard said during the postgame press conference.

“Just being able to get out there and play, it was great. With the crowd involved, the fatigue, coach calling plays and all of that, it is all great. We came in focused in defense.”

Aside from Leonard, Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett also delivered massive numbers for the Raptors, contributing 19 and 17 points, respectively.

On the other hand, the Knicks decided to play an all-bench squad against the Raptors and rested Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby.