May 20--Clippers' center DeAndre Jordan and point guard Chris Paul were named to the NBA's all-defensive first team, the league announced Wednesday. The voting panel includes 129 writers and broadcasters from the U.S. and Canada.
This is Jordan's first time receiving that honor, and Paul's fourth-consecutive time and fifth overall in his career.
Jordan received 187 points (84 first-team votes, 19 second-team votes) and Paul received 170 points (67 first-team votes, 36 second-team votes.)
Also making the team were San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (242 points), Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (229 points) and Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (207 points).
Jordan led the league in rebounds (15), defensive rebounds (10.1) and was fourth in blocks per game (2.23).
Clippers Coach Doc Rivers has repeatedly called Jordan the best defender in the league, and his teammates have said throughout the season that much of what he does doesn't even show up on the stats sheets, such as altering shots and preventing dribble penetration.
Jordan grabbed 1,226 rebounds in the 2014-15 season, setting a single-season franchise record for the Clippers.
Paul was second in the NBA in total steals (156), and fifth in steals per game (1.9). He has led the NBA in steals in six of the last eight seasons. Paul ranked first in the league this season in isolation situations, allowing only 0.565 point per play in such situations, according to Synergy Sports.
The NBA all-defensive second team includes New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis, Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler, Warriors center Andrew Bogut, Washington Wizards guard John Wall and Spurs forward Tim Duncan.
