Kawhi Leonard continued his strong start to the preseason by scoring 20 points in 25 minutes for the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night.

The All-Star forward added eight rebounds, three steals and two assists while leading the Spurs to an 86-81 win over the Detroit Pistons.

HORNETS 98,

TIMBERWOLVES 86

Kemba Walker had 15 points to lead Charlotte.

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

TIMBERWOLVES: Reigning Rookie of the Year Karl-Anthony Towns scored just four points on 2-of-6 shooting and grabbed six rebounds.

HORNETS: Frank Kaminsky had 17 points off the bench, including four triples for the big man. 

UP NEXT: The Timberwolves (1-1) host the Nuggets on Wednesday. The Hornets (1-2) travel to face the Bulls on Oct. 17.

HAWKS 99,

CAVALIERS 93

ATLANTA — Dwight Howard scored 26 points in his home preseason debut with the Hawks as the Cavaliers rested LeBron James and other starters.

CAVALIERS: 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.

HAWKS: F Paul Millsap is moving closer to returning from a non-surgical procedure to reduce swelling in his right knee. Millsap is on pace to be ready for the regular season. 

UP NEXT: The Cavaliers (2-1) play at home against Toronto on Thursday. The Hawks (2-1) play another home game against Detroit on Thursday.

KNICKS 90,

WIZARDS 88

Carmelo Anthony had his highest point total of the preseason as he scored 19 points, including four 3-pointers, during the victory.

KNICKS: Kristaps Porzingis scored 15 for the Knicks, but hit just 1 of 6 3-pointers. Derrick Rose did not travel with the team.

WIZARDS: John Wall was held to eight points in 16 minutes, but handed out four assists.

UP NEXT: The Knicks (2-1) host the Boston Celtics on Saturday. The Wizards (1-2) host the 76ers on Thursday.

KINGS 135,

MACCABI HAIFA 96

Ben McLemore scored 18 points on 7 for 13 shooting off the bench for the Kings.

KINGS: DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Tolliver had 14 apiece. ... Ty Lawson added 13 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.

MACCABI HAIFA: Jarrid Famous scored 14 points and had eight rebounds. ... Alex Perez finished with 14.

UP NEXT: The Kings (1-2) face the Lakers in Las Vegas on Thursday.

JAZZ 96, CLIPPERS 94

Dante Exum stripped Jamaal Crawford with 5.1 seconds left to secure the victory.

JAZZ: Rodney Hood scored a game-high 17 points. ... Shelvin Mack scored 12 on 5-of-8 shooting off the bench.

CLIPPERS: Three-time Sixth Man of the Year Crawford had his best game of the preseason with 16 points

UP NEXT: The Jazz (2-1) host the Suns on Wednesday. The Clippers (1-2) host the Trail Blazers on Thursday.