Kawhi Leonard did not suit up for the Clippers' game against the Raptors, but made his presence felt in Toronto.
During the Los Angeles Clippers’ road trip to Toronto, Kawhi Leonard made a notable appearance away from the court by hosting a youth basketball clinic in Scarborough on Friday. Leonard worked directly with local players, leading drills and addressing the group during a brief on-court session. The visit carried added significance given Leonard’s history with the city and the Raptors franchise.
Leonard did not play in the Clippers’ 121-117 overtime win over the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena later that night. He was ruled out due to injury as Los Angeles completed the game without him. While absent from the lineup, Leonard’s presence in the city drew attention because of his lasting connection to Toronto, where he spent the 2018-19 season and delivered the most successful year in franchise history.
At the clinic, Leonard addressed the crowd and acknowledged that bond. “Toronto is still in my heart,” he said, noting that his son was born in Canada. Leonard added that returning to the city has personal meaning for his family. “He’s from Canada, so we always talk about bringing him back and showing him where he was born. I just wanted to leave a blueprint out here.” A mural featuring Leonard’s iconic Game 7 buzzer-beater was unveiled at the site, along with a quote attributed to him: “You are stronger than you think.”
2019 Championship Run Remains Defining Moment in Toronto
Leonard’s connection to Toronto is rooted in his historic 2019 NBA championship run with the Raptors. Acquired in a blockbuster trade before the 2018-19 season, Leonard delivered one of the most dominant postseason performances in league history. He averaged 30.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists across 24 playoff games, leading Toronto to its first NBA title.
His postseason included several defining moments, most notably the Game 7 buzzer-beater against the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The four-bounce shot remains one of the most recognizable plays in NBA history and is the image featured in the Scarborough mural unveiled during his visit. Leonard followed that performance by leading Toronto past Milwaukee in the Eastern Conference finals before defeating the Golden State Warriors in six games in the NBA Finals.
Leonard was named NBA Finals MVP, becoming the third player to win the award with two different franchises. That championship run solidified his legacy in Toronto despite spending only one season with the organization.
Latest Injury Update Limits Leonard’s Availability
While Leonard paid homage before the game, he is currently nursing an injury that could limit his availabilty. On Sunday, the Clippers provided an update on Leonard’s status, noting that he is dealing with a left knee contusion and will miss the remainder of the current road trip, including upcoming games against the Washington Wizards and Chicago Bulls. Leonard is expected to be reevaluated once the team returns to Los Angeles.
While injuries kept Leonard off the floor in Toronto, his off-court appearance reinforced the lasting impact of his 2019 season. The clinic, mural unveiling, and remarks served as a reminder of his role in the most successful chapter in Raptors history and his continued ties to the city.