Leonard returns to help Raptors improve to NBA-best 11-1 record

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Kawhi Leonard had 25 points and 11 rebounds in his return from an ankle injury, and the Toronto Raptors beat the Sacramento Kings 114-105 on Wednesday night to improve the NBA’s best record to 11-1.

Pascal Siakam scored 21 points, Serge Ibaka had 14 points and 14 rebounds, and Kyle Lowry added 16 points and eight assists for the Raptors.

Toronto has won five straight since its lone loss this season at Milwaukee on Oct. 29.

Leonard sat out the previous two games and got off to a sluggish start early against the Kings before helping Toronto pull away.

The two-time All-Star scored 10 points in the second quarter and 10 more in the third, including a soaring, one-handed dunk. Leonard also made a pivotal three-pointer in the fourth after Sacramento had pulled to 106-99. Willie Cauley-Stein and Buddy Hield had 24 points apiece for Sacramento. De’Aaron Fox added 20 points, and second overall draft pick Marvin Bagley III had 13.

The Kings have lost two straight since winning five in a row. Toronto has won three straight against the Kings.

Toronto ended the first quarter on a 15-4 run, then took control once Leonard got going in the second after Sacramento got into foul trouble.

The Raptors return home to host the New York Knicks on Saturday.