Hornets' Chris Paul out after concussion

CHICAGO, March 7 (UPI) -- New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul has been diagnosed with a concussion after a collision with Cleveland guard Ramon Sessions, the Hornets said Monday.

Paul underwent tests at the Cleveland Clinic Sunday after his head and Sessions' shoulder collided during the third quarter of the Hornets' 96-81 victory over the Cavaliers.

New Orleans Coach Monty Williams said tests revealed Paul had sustained a concussion, but he said the all-star point guard did not lose consciousness at any time.

Paul was removed from the court on a stretcher after medical technicians stabilized his head and neck.

"I talked to him on the phone and the people who were in the room with him," Williams told The (New Orleans) Times-Picayune. "He was talking and cracking jokes in the background."

NBA.com reported Paul traveled with the team from Cleveland to Chicago Monday as the team prepared to wrap up a five-game road trip against the Bulls, but indicated he would not play.

Paul is averaging 15.9 points and 9.7 assists in 65 games for the Hornets this season.