Kawhi Leonard’s first game back with the Toronto Raptors after a super eventful summer was absolutely wild, and he wasted zero time reminding everyone who he is. The star forward exploded for 21 points in just 17 minutes on Tuesday night, leading the Raptors to a massive 148-98 preseason win over the defending-champion New York Knicks.
Kawhi’s Numbers Were No Joke, But Hold Up a Second
Think about that for a second: 21 points, 17 minutes. That’s a ridiculous pace! His box score tells the story: 6-12 from the field, 5 boards, 2 steals, and yeah, his usual array of crazy shot-making was on full display. He even got some of those classic “lucky bounces” he seems to always snag in Toronto. Looked good out there, no doubt. Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles both threw in 19 points apiece, showing this squad has other weapons too.
Now, hold up, before we crown them champs, gotta remember the Knicks didn’t roll out any of their starters. This wasn’t the full-strength defending champs we saw. James Wiseman led the Knicks with a solid 18 points and 10 rebounds, trying to make that roster, which is cool for him. But the Raptors were definitely facing a totally different squad than what they will see in the real 2026-27 season.
Toronto’s Potential Contender Vibe Is Real, Even in Preseason
Even with the Knicks holding back, you can’t ignore what Toronto fans just witnessed. This was an exciting first taste of a core built around Leonard, Barnes, Murray-Boyles, and RJ Barrett. This roster, on paper, actually looks like a potential contender.
The Eastern Conference is always stacked, we know that. Playoff berths are never a walk in the park. But seeing Kawhi back in red and black, putting up numbers like that, even in preseason, has gotta make other teams in the East take notice. They’re going to have to battle for every single win.
This preseason opener was more than just a win, it was a statement. Kawhi Leonard is back in Toronto, and he’s not messing around. It’s early, but the energy is undeniable. Keep your eyes locked on the Raptors as the real season gets closer. This could be something special.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
Leave a Reply