DALLAS – Knicks star forward Amar’e Stoudemire picked up his 16th technical foul in the second quarter tonight vs. the Mavericks, making him eligible to be suspended from Sunday’s Garden game vs. the Pacers if it is not rescinded.

Stoudemire got entangled with Dallas’ Brendan Haywood and wrestled himself free, pushing him lightly. Stoudemire and Haywood both received double technicals, but because Stoudemire hit the magic number, he will be suspended one game if the NBA does not rescind it.

Stoudemire hadn’t picked up a T in eight games – which was his longest stretch of being T-free. Stoudemire has already had one technical rescinded this season. Referee Bennett Salvatore called the technical and Stoudemire had a breezy one-minute chat with him during a TV timeout during which the veteran referee was seen laughing.

If the T stands up, Stoudemire could be suspended again if he picks up another two technicals.