Kawhi 'just here to fit in' after dominant 1st game back with Raptors

If Kawhi Leonard's first game back with the Toronto Raptors was an indication, the two-time Finals MVP's return will be a smooth transition.

Leonard recorded a game-high 21 points on 6-of-12 shooting in 17 minutes of action as the Raptors steamrolled the reigning champion New York Knicks 148-98 on Tuesday in Toronto.

"I'm just here to fit in," Leonard told The Canadian Press after the game. "But fit out a little bit just by trying to you know play great basketball and just being aggressive."

Leonard added: "The guys have been great ... everybody else has just been helping me out and just trying to make the transition so easy."

The 35-year-old anchored the Raptors' defense in the preseason victory, helping limit the Knicks to 40% shooting from the field and 17% from deep in the lopsided affair.

"We came in to look focused on defence, and that was my intentions," Leonard said. "I wanted to just get out, get after it, and get tired. I still want to get in better shape. It was fun to play."

Scottie Barnes chipped in with 19 points, six rebounds, and four assists and RJ Barrett had 17 points as head coach Darko Rajakovic took advantage of expanded preseason rosters by using 18 players in the victory.

"I tried to get those guys as much as possible on the court together, so that they could figure out the chemistry and spacing and that kind of stuff," Rajakovic said. "Obviously, just (Leonard's) first game."

Rajakovic continued: "He was very excited coming into this game, and I thought he did great."

The seven-time All-Star and Rajakovic were spotted in discussion on the Raptors' bench during the first half of Tuesday's contest at Scotiabank Arena.

"(Rajakovic) always tells me just go play basketball," Leonard said. "But I'm still learning play calls, schemes, and still trying to get in shape. I've got to just keep pushing through fatigue and just keep getting better."