Clippers DeAndre Jordon, Chris Paul named to All-Defensive first team

Clippers center DeAndre Jordan and point guard Chris Paul were named to the NBA's All-Defensive first team, the league announced Wednesday.

This is Jordan's first time receiving the honor and Paul's fifth, including fourth in a row.

Jordan received 187 points (84 first-team votes, 19 second-team votes) from a media panel, Paul 170 points (67, 36.)

Also making the first team were San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (242 points), Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (229) and Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (207).

Jordan led the league in rebounds (15 per game) and defensive rebounds (10.1) and was fourth in blocks (2.23) per game.

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 past eight seasons.

On the All-Defensive second team are 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.

Howard sat out practice Wednesday at Oracle Arena after an MRI confirmed the injury suffered in a first-quarter collision with teammate Josh Smith in Game 1.

He also said he has "no doubt" he'll return at some point in the series.

"The most important thing is that I'm healthy," Howard said. "Nobody can understand an injury when they're injured but the person that's injured. This is going to be on how I feel. If I feel like I can tolerate it and go out there and play on it, then I will."

• Warriors guard Stephen Curry said he disagreed with the NBA's decision to fine him $5,000 for violating the league's anti- flopping rules against the Rockets in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. The league said that the NBA MVP exaggerated contact after his three-pointer with 3:07 left in the fourth quarter. Curry made the shot and fell to the court after getting bumped by defender Terrence Jones. "I just reacted to the contact that was on my arm," Curry said. "So I don't agree with it at all."