Kawhi Leonard draws the loudest ovation in his Raptors re-debut as Toronto routs the Knicks 140-93 in pre-season

TORONTO — Kawhi Leonard received the loudest ovation during introductions and started for the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night in his first game back with the club since the 2019 championship run, as Toronto rolled past the defending champion New York Knicks 140-93 in pre-season play at Scotiabank Arena, The Canadian Press reported via CBC Sports.

It was Leonard’s first Raptors appearance since Los Angeles traded him to Toronto in a deal delayed by an NBA investigation into salary-cap circumvention involving the Clippers. Once league punishments were issued, the trade sent Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, a 2027 pick swap and two second-round selections to L.A., CBC said.

Sportsnet reported Leonard scored 21 points with five rebounds and two steals in just under 17 minutes in the first half alone, finishing plus-28 as Toronto took a 39-point lead into the break. Head coach Darko Rajakovic had said beforehand that Leonard’s minutes would be limited while he builds conditioning; Ja’Kobe Walter started the second half in his place.

“His minutes are going to be limited, but it’s going to be super important to get him there with our guys on the court, to get him integrated,” Rajakovic said in a pre-game availability quoted by CBC. “It’s very special that it’s happening right here at home … I think it’s a very special day for him. Very special day for us.”

Leonard led Toronto to its only NBA title in 2018-19, then signed with his hometown Clippers. Last season with L.A. he averaged 27.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists over 65 games and made the All-NBA second team.

The Knicks entered the night 0-3 in the pre-season; Toronto was 1-1 before the blowout, according to CBC. CBS Sports listed the final as 140-93. Toronto has more pre-season games to play before its regular-season opener.

Rajakovic said the main goal for Leonard on Tuesday was simply to “go out there and have a lot of fun” after seven seasons in Los Angeles, with terminology and schemes still being taught through film and drills.

Sources: The Canadian Press via CBC Sports (Oct. 13, 2026); Sportsnet (Oct. 13, 2026); CBS Sports box score (Oct. 13, 2026).