Paul Pierce Dons On-Point Rick James Costume On Clippers Bench

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Clippers fans got a Halloween surprise at Monday night's Clippers-Suns game at Staples Center: Rick James was on the bench.

Actually, it was Paul Pierce donning a stunningly on-point costume of the late singer of "Superfreak" fame. But fans could be forgiven for doing a double-take.

Pierce, who announced in September that this will be his final season in the NBA, was ruled out of the game with an ankle injury. So instead of wearing his jersey, Pierce asked Doc Rivers if he could come in costume and Rivers gave him permission.

He had teased the costume last week on Instagram, but seeing the full get-up at Staples Center was no doubt a surprise to many in the stands.

The Clippers, meanwhile, scored a 116-98 victory over the Suns, boosting the team's early-season record to 3-0.