Muhammad Amanullah
Date: October 14, 2026
The True Post (Web News) —
The Toronto Raptors delivered a commanding 148-98 preseason victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday, with Kawhi Leonard making an impressive return to the team in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
Leonard scored 21 points and collected five rebounds in just 17 minutes, receiving loud cheers from fans as he played his first game for Toronto since being traded back from the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this summer.
According to The Canadian Press, published by Global News, the two-time NBA Finals MVP made an immediate impact as the Raptors dominated the Knicks at Scotiabank Arena.
The performance marked Leonard’s first appearance for Toronto since helping the franchise win its only NBA championship during the 2018-19 season.
Raptors Dominate Knicks from the Start
Toronto established control early and built a commanding lead before halftime. The Raptors led 86-47 at the break, putting the game largely beyond the Knicks’ reach.
The team maintained its advantage in the second half to secure a 50-point victory, finishing the preseason contest with 148 points against New York’s 98.
The result reflected Toronto’s strong offensive performance, although the circumstances were important: the Knicks rested their leading players and relied on reserves and younger members of their roster.
James Wiseman led New York with 18 points, but the Knicks struggled to match Toronto’s full starting lineup.
Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković had said before the game that he wanted Leonard to spend time on the court with his new teammates to develop chemistry and improve the team’s spacing.
After the game, Rajaković said he had tried to keep the players together on the court as much as possible so they could begin building that understanding.
Leonard Receives a Warm Welcome from Toronto Fans
Leonard received some of the loudest cheers of the night, particularly when he scored. His return was an emotional moment for many Raptors supporters who remember his central role in the franchise’s historic championship run in 2019.
During his brief appearance, Leonard showed an efficient touch from the field. He made six of his 12 field-goal attempts, including four of eight shots from three-point range.
He also recorded two steals and finished with 21 points and five rebounds.
Leonard did not play in the second half as Toronto managed his minutes and gave other players opportunities. The Raptors also began resting their other starters before the end of the third quarter after building a substantial lead.
Speaking after the game, Leonard said his focus was on defence and getting back into playing shape. He described the experience as enjoyable and credited his teammates with helping make the transition easier.
He also acknowledged that he was still learning the team’s plays and defensive schemes and wanted to continue improving his fitness before the regular season.
Background to Leonard’s Return
Leonard’s return to Toronto followed a major offseason trade involving the Raptors and the Los Angeles Clippers.
As part of the deal, Toronto sent Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round draft picks, a future pick swap and two second-round selections to Los Angeles in exchange for Leonard.
The transaction was delayed while the NBA investigated Leonard and the Clippers over allegations involving salary-cap circumvention. The league subsequently imposed penalties on the franchise and several executives, while Leonard received a fine.
Leonard previously played for Toronto during the 2018-19 season, when he helped the Raptors capture their first NBA championship. He joined the Clippers as a free agent after that title-winning campaign.
His return has renewed interest among Raptors fans, who will be watching to see how his experience, scoring and defensive ability influence the team during the 2026-27 season.
However, one strong preseason performance cannot determine how the team will perform once regular-season competition begins.
Raptors Prepare for Final Preseason Games
Toronto’s preseason schedule continues with a road game against the Knicks in New York on Thursday, followed by a meeting with the Detroit Pistons on Friday.
The Raptors are scheduled to open their regular season at home against the Chicago Bulls on October 21.
The remaining exhibition games will give Rajaković additional opportunities to integrate Leonard into the lineup, assess player combinations and improve the team’s overall chemistry.
Leonard has indicated that he is still adjusting to Toronto’s system and working to regain his best physical condition.
The 148-98 win has given Raptors fans an encouraging glimpse of the team’s potential, particularly with Leonard back in the lineup. The more significant test, however, will come during the regular season, when results begin to affect the standings and the race for the playoffs.
