Yup, it's the preseason. The Nets didn't start their stars and Doc checked out at halftime in favor of the presidential debate.

BostonHerald.com - Blogs: Celtics Insider" Blog Archive " Final: Nets 97, Celtics 96

Brooklyn coach Avery Johnson chose to sit his stars, including Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Gerald Wallace and Brook Lopez. And the Celtics’ Doc Rivers, perhaps with the intent of stealing an occasional look at tonight’s presidential debate, spent the second half in the locker room, presumably also watching the game - the team’s third straight fall, this time a 97-96 loss to Brooklyn.

But in the actual game, at least Paul Pierce showed up.

Rapid Reaction: Nets 97, Celtics 96 - Boston Celtics Blog - ESPN Boston

Celtics captain Paul Pierce put together his finest outing of the [preseason], erupting for 29 points on 10-of-17 shooting, while adding five rebounds and a pair of blocks over 26:46. Courtney Lee, running with the starters, chipped in 13 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds and a steal.

2 weeks till the real games begin.