Clippers guard Austin Rivers suffers concussion in game against New Orleans Pelicans

Clippers guard Austin Rivers suffered a mild concussion during the team’s 133-105 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans Saturday night at Staples Center.

That now means that Rivers will enter the NBA’s concussion protocol.

Rivers was hurt late in the third quarter when Pelicans forward Terrence Jones tried to drive by the Clippers guard, but instead hit Rivers in the chin with his left elbow.

Rivers immediately went down onto the court and stayed down on his back.

Jasen Powell, the Clippers’ director of medical services and head athletic trainer, came over to assist Rivers while his teammates stood over him.

Rivers eventually got up with help and went to the bench. He wrapped a towel around his head and could be seen constantly shaking it while sitting on the bench.

But when the fourth quarter started, Rivers was back on the court after passing several tests.

Forty-six seconds into the fourth, Rivers had to be helped into the locker room by his teammates.

“That blow obviously had a delayed effect,” Clippers Coach Doc Rivers said. “He passed all the tests. Then right when he went back on the floor, you knew something was wrong.

“I saw him grab his head because of the noise [inside Staples Center]. You knew something was going on. We got him out quick.”

Rivers, who started in place of Blake Griffin (sore right knee) was having a strong game before he was injured.

Rivers had 18 points on six-for-nine from the field and four-for-six from three-point range.

The Clippers also mentioned that guard Raymond Felton, who missed the last two games attending his grandmother’s funeral, will be back in time for Monday night’s home game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

broderick.turner@latimes.com

Follow Broderick Turner on Twitter @BA_Turner