WALTHAM, Mass. -- The Miami Heat's preseason finale against the Orlando Magic was canceled Friday night due to slippery court conditions as a result of an oil-based cleaning solution that was mistakenly applied.

It brought to mind the Celtics' exhibition game against the New Jersey Nets three years ago in which unseasonably warm October temperatures, coupled with ice below the basketball playing surface, allowed condensation to form on the floor and resulted in the game being scrapped at halftime. The DCU Center is also home to the AHL's Worcester Sharks.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers said Saturday he remembers the night and the peculiar circumstances, but not much else.

"I remember I was happy when they canceled it," said Rivers. "I don't remember a lot. I know early on it was unplayable."

The cancellation Friday in Tampa caused an uproar among unhappy fans, some that littered the slippery court with concession items. The Celtics tried to appease fans in Worcester by setting up an autograph session, but it quickly got out of hand, and players retreated to the buses after 20 minutes.

"People get excited," Kevin Garnett told reporters that night. "We did what we could do... They got some autographs, they got some conversation, and we all got out of there safe."

Rivers didn't even recall the autograph fiasco.

"I don't remember that," said Rivers. "It's proof what my wife says, I live in an oblivion. I don't even know stuff is going on. It's a good place to be if you can get there."