Leonard scores 20 to lead Spurs to 86-81 win over Pistons

Kawhi Leonard continued his strong start to the NBA preseason by scoring 20 points in 25 minutes as San Antonio beat Detroit 86-81 on Monday night (Tuesday Manila time).

The All-Star forward added eight rebounds, three steals and two assists. Pau Gasol scored 11 in his third game as a Spur while LaMarcus Aldridge was one rebound shy of a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds.

Andre Drummond remained on his preseason tear with a third consecutive double-double as he tries to build off his first All-Star season. He finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds and has led the Pistons in points and rebounds in all three games. Jon Leuer added 14 off the bench in the loss.

In other games, Kemba Walker had 15 points to lead Charlotte to a 98-86 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Frank Kaminsky had 17 points off the bench for the Hornets, including four triples. Jeremy Lamb knocked down 7 of 10 shots to finish with 16 off the bench.

Zach LaVine had 30 points in 28 minutes, shooting 13 for 20 from the field, including four 3-pointers in the loss.

In Atlanta, Dwight Howard scored 26 points in his home preseason debut with the Hawks in a 99-93 win over Cleveland, which rested LeBron James and other starters.

Howard, who signed a three-year, $70.5 million deal with his hometown Hawks in July, added eight rebounds and two blocks.

James also will be held out of the next two preseason games before playing on Oct. 18 against Washington at Ohio State in the Cavaliers' final preseason game.

The New York Knicks beat the Washington Wizards 90-88. Carmelo Anthony had his highest point total of the preseason with 19 points, including four 3-pointers, during the victory.

Utah beat the Los Angeles Clippers 96-94, with Dante Exum stripping Jamaal Crawford with 5.1 seconds left to secure the victory. Joe Johnson started for the Jazz in place of Gordon Hayward, who is out for an unknown amount of time after fracturing his finger in practice last week.

And Sacramento won its exhibition match against Israel's Maccabi Haifa 135-96. Ben McLemore scored 18 points on 7 for 13 shooting off the bench for the Kings. Amit Simhon paced Maccabi Haifa with 17, while Jarrid Famous and Alex Perez scored 14 points each.