Raptors spoil DeRozan’s return; Knicks nixed

TORONTO – Kawhi Leonard had a go-ahead dunk with 15 seconds left and scored 25 points to help the Toronto Raptors beat his former San Antonio Spurs teammates 120-117 on Friday night, spoiling DeMar DeRozan return.

Leonard stole the ball from DeRozan at midcourt and raced in alone for a one-handed slam.

Traded to San Antonio in the offseason deal that sent Leonard to Toronto, DeRozan received a warm welcome in the homecoming, but was denied a second victory over his former team. He finished with 23 points.

Lowry and DeRozan embraced near center court following the final whistle as the sellout crowd of 20,058 cheered in approval.

Pascal Siakam added 22 points to help Toronto win its seventh straight game. Kyle Lowry and Danny Green each had 17, Serge Ibaka had 13 points and 15 rebounds, and Jeremy Lin had 11 points in his second game with the Raptors.

In New York, Derrick Rose scored 20 points, Taj Gibson added a season-high 19 and Minnesota overcame the first missed game of Karl-Anthony Towns’ career to beat New York 115-104.

Towns’ streak of 303 consecutive starts was snapped when he was placed in the concussion protocol after a car accident. Towns was able to fly to New York after the accident Thursday in Minnesota, but was ruled out after further medical examination Friday.

In Dallas, Nikola Jokic had 19 points and 13 rebounds and Denver beat Dallas 114-104  for its third straight victory.

Paul Millsap added 17 points and 13 rebounds, and Isaiah Thomas had 16 points over 16 minutes in his second game since offseason hip surgery.

Dallas rookie star Luka Doncic sat out with a sore right ankle. Jalen Brunson started in Doncic’s place and had a career-high 22 points.

In other NBA games it was Pistons 125, Hawks 122; Pacers 126, Pelicans 111; Hornets 123, Wizards 110; Bulls 110, Magic 109; Cippers 112, Grizzlies 106.