Leonard scores 21 in Raptors’ 148-98 win over Knicks

Kawhi Leonard scored 21 points in 17 minutes as the Toronto Raptors beat the New York Knicks 148-98 on Tuesday, marking his first game for Toronto since returning to the team in a summer trade. Leonard also had five rebounds in the preseason game at Scotiabank Arena. The two-time NBA Finals MVP started for Toronto, which used its full starting lineup together for the first time this preseason. He shot 6 for 12 from the field, including 4 for 8 from three-point range, and played only the first half. Toronto led 86-47 at halftime and rested its starters with more than three minutes remaining in the third quarter. Scottie Barnes scored 19 points, with six rebounds and four assists, while RJ Barrett added 17 points, four rebounds and three assists for Toronto. Mohamed Diawara led New York with 13 points. The Knicks did not use their top players in the exhibition game. Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said before the game that Leonard’s playing time would be limited and that Toronto wanted to integrate him with his new teammates. Rajakovic said the immediate goal was for Leonard to enjoy playing, rather than quickly master the team’s terminology and systems.