Both teams expected to compete for title in new
NBA seasonDefending champion Raptors beat Pelicans in season openerKawhi Leonard began a new career chapter on Tuesday night, scoring 30 points to go with a strong bench effort in a 112-102 victory over
LeBron James and the Lakers in the teams’ season opener. “It’s a great sign of leadership,” coach Doc Rivers said. “He talks with his game.”
Leonard chose the Clippers, after winning the title with the
Toronto Raptors last season, because he wanted to come home and his family was on hand. “All those emotions went through me again,” he said.