Amar? Stoudemire says he does not swear at officials. He hardly has seemed demonstrative in picking up 14 technical fouls this season, second only to Rasheed Wallace's 17.

But Stoudemire has been out of line just enough to put him in a precarious spot. Starting with a 16th technical, Stoudemire would be suspended one game for every two technical fouls until he gets a clean slate for the postseason.

"They're not the normal techs that guys get for using profanity," Stoudemire said. "It's real small-time techs. I got a technical foul for just rolling the ball. I got one just for a hand gesture. They're not techs that are too aggressive."

"I've got to do a better job of holding my emotions back. I'm such an emotional player that my passion comes out at times. It's going to be tough, but I can manage."