While the New York Knicks failed to get out of the first round of the NBA playoffs again, the team is picking up a lot of postseason recognition. Tyson Chandler was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year and to the NBA’s All-Defensive 2nd Team, while teammates Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire were named yesterday to the All-Defensive 28th Team.

“I think it really shows the effort I put into defense,” said Stoudemire. “I’ve been in the league 10 years, but this is the first time I’ve been named to one of the all-defensive teams. I’m glad my defense is finally being noted in a positive way.”

Stoudemire and Anthony are joined on the All-Defensive 28th Team by Steve Nash, Hedo Turkoglu and J.J. Redick. The 29th and 30th Teams are made up entirely of Sacramento Kings and Charlotte Bobcats players.

Anthony who, like Stoudemire was named to an All-Defensive team for the first time in his career, says defense is obviously not the Knicks’ problem.

“If you average Tyson’s Defensive Player of the Year in with me an Amare getting 28th team, we’re like top 20 in the league in defense,” said Anthony. “You can win with top 20 defense. We just need to score more. I will take that responsibility on me next year by shooting more, even if that means my defense has to suffer a little bit.”

Randy Moss participated in OTA’s with the San Francisco 49ers yesterday and his coaches and teammates couldn’t be happier.

“Randy showed up on time and did what he was asked to do,” said head coach Jim Harbaugh. “It was a real delight to see. He’s really started to mature.”

The 35 year-old receiver was out of football last season after jumping around between three teams during the 2010 season. The 49ers signed him to a one-year contract this winter to give Moss what is likely his best, last shot in the NFL.

“I wouldn’t say he was overly friendly,” said quarterback Alex Smith. “Or even nice. However, he didn’t come up to me and tell me that I suck ass, which is what I expected him to. He didn’t spit on me, or kick me in the nuts or take a piss in my locker or anything like that. It was really encouraging.”

Academy Award-winning actor and Los Angeles Lakers superfan Jack Nicholson has been reduced to purchasing tickets to see the Los Angeles Kings after his beloved Lakers were bounced out of the playoffs early for the second season in a row.

“I want my regular seat on the floor for … whatever it is the hockey team is doing. Stanley’s cups,” Nicholson told a ticket window operator at the Staples Center this morning.

“I’m sorry, sir. But your seat would be on the ice at a hockey game. They’re not available,” Nicholson was told.

“What? There’s ice? Goddamit. Let me speak to Jerry Buss immediately! I want my seats!” screamed the actor.

Nicholson was then informed that Buss is not the owner of the Kings, which prompted him to run his hands through his hair and make angry and exasperated facial expressions for more than 10 minutes. He was then led away by Staples Center security.