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Home , Dirk Nowitzki, Joe Johnson (basketball), Kevin Love, Paul George, Rising Stars Challenge

A6 The Orlando Times FEBRUARY 6 - 12, 2014

Client: Allstate Bleed: NA Region: US Campaign: Insurance/AA Trim: 8.31” x 18” Language: English Agency Job #: 610-ALAAMNP4002 Live: NA Notes: None AD #/AD ID: AHAA0445 *******Magic News******Date Modified: 01/16/14 2:59 PM Keyline Scale: 1”= 1” CR: Output at: 100% AD Round: Page: 1 of 1

NOT TO BE USED FOR COLOR APPROVAL Despite A Breakout AD: S. Year P: E. Garber AM: J. Norman, BM: D. Scampini PC: J. Jenkins Affl alo Still Not An All-Star

BY CLINTON ************************************************************************************************** REYES, TIMES SPORTS WRITER

Orlando Magic - Amway , Orlando

ORLANDO – In the per- fect world, Orlando would be 38-11 and leading the NBA into the All-Star break, and in do- ing so, undoubtedly secure an All-Star roster selection for SG Aaron Affl alo. Playing like one, Affl alo is having quite the year and his play has brought many to believe in his worthiness of a fi rst All-Star appearance. But, the NBA we have all come to un- derstand is not one to commend a great player, on a bad team. Give it up for @nhnets Despite having a career year and ranking among the top shooting guards in practically every sta- #GiveItUpForGood tistical category, Affl alo’s hopes of making his fi rst NBA All-Star team were dashed on Thursday when he was left off the team. Clearly, Orlando’s 12-35 record factored into the decision to pick the likes of DerMar DeRo- zan and ahead of Orlando’s standout guard. The rosters (see Magic notes below) were clearly chosen based on partial statistical evi- dence but more heavily weight- ed on winning percentage and fan appeal. Affl alo has shown signs over the past few years of becoming a better player, raising his scoring average in 7 straight seasons. He currently ranks 15th in the NBA in scor- ing (20 ppg.) and third among shooting guards behind and DeRozan. Just a day after the selec- tions were announced, Affl alo proceeded with business as usu- al, and offered up a friendly re- minder to the league why he was worthy of discussion. Hosting the , Orlando and Affl alo came out with a ven- geance scoring a season high 67 points in the fi rst half, led by non other, Affl alo with 17. He would go on to fi nish the game and lead all scorers with 21 in just three quarters of play. Orlando dominated play, out rebounding the Bucks 30-18 and also led in fast break points 12- 3. Defensively Orlando was also outstanding, causing the Bucks 13 turnovers, which led to 17 points for the home team. Affl alo addressed the media postgame and commented on his All-Star thoughts as well as the game: “Sometimes the NBA season is so long, when your losing games you kind of get in this autopilot type of mode, but ive got an extreme fi re burning overall, not even about tonight, “ he said. “I just think my focus is going to be heightened, with every little thing I do”. With regards to the All-Star Snub: “ There are certain feelings you get at certain points in your life, whether it’s a motivating factor or something that you looked forward to that didn’t happen; But for me, its created a new lev- el of passion and a new level of hunger.” Affl alo came into this game averaging career highs in points, rebounds and assists.

MAGIC NOTES – , , Joakim Noah, , Paul Mill- sap, Johnson and DeRozan were picked as East reserves behind starters LeBron James, , , and Kyrie Ir- ving. In the West, the reserves are LaMarcus Aldridge, Da- mian Lillard, , , James Harden, Dwight To make parks good again, someTimes all you need is neT. Join Allstate Howard and . The starters are Steph Curry, in recognizing those in the community whose good deeds inspire us all. Like the folks , , at Neighborhood Nets, whose mission is to put a net on every naked basketball rim Blake Griffi n and . The NBA All-Star Game will be throughout St. Louis, the nation and eventually the world. Because bad gets enough played Feb. 16 in . coverage, let’s #giveitupForgood In addition, congratulations to Magic Rookie for yet again tak- ing home another honor. Vic- tor Oladipo has been selected to participate in the BBVA Com- See good. Share good. pass Allstate.com/giveitupforgood as part of 2014 NBA All-Star Weekend in New Orleans, LA. The Rising Stars Challenge will take place on Friday, February © 2014 Allstate Insurance Co. 14 at 9 pm ET at New Orleans Arena and will be nationally televised by TNT.

101507_e03_AHAA0445 Leo Burnett January 16, 2014 2:59 PM jmd