Sacramento Kings

Few things in life are harder to shake than a reputation, and since the Sacramento Kings have carried the rep of a showboating team for whom the 24 seconds spent on defense were just a brief layover before taking another shot, it's been a little difficult for many to take seriously their run near the top of the Western Conference this season. But with half a season in the books, the Kings are giving every impression that they intend to change the way they're viewed, not to mention foul up the conventional wisdom that Portland, the Lakers or San Antonio will rule the West.

Correction: Because of incorrect information supplied by the Utah Jazz, it was erroneously reported in yesterday's editions that John Stockton had surpassed 15,000 points in a game with the Sacramento Kings. His 16 points in the game gave him 14,997.The Sun regrets the error.Pub Date: 3/13/98

After yet another year of All-Star injustices, maybe it's time for the league to take the voting out of the fans' hands.Every year, the voting for the team's midseason showcase is becoming more of a popularity contest. If it weren't, then such worthy players as Washington Wizards guard Rod Strickland and Milwaukee Bucks forward Glenn Robinson might be representing the East in next week's game, and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Tom Gugliotta would be making his second straight All-Star appearance for the West.

Opponent: Sacramento KingsSite: ARCO Arena, Sacramento, Calif.Time: 9Radio: WWLG (1360 AM), WTEM (570 AM)Outlook: The slumping Bullets have lost 12 of their past 14, including the first three games of their five-game Western road trip, but tonight they face another struggling team. The Kings have dropped 12 of their past 13, including Thursday's 122-110 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in which Kings G Sarunas Marciulionis, just back from knee surgery, tore his right quadriceps muscle. He'll miss up to two weeks.

Auto racingTasman Motorsports -- Announced that Scott Goodyear will drive in the Indianapolis 500 for team owner Steve Horne.BasketballChicago Bulls -- Placed G Dickey Simpkins on the injured list. Activated G Michael Jordan.Cleveland Cavaliers -- Announced that C John `Hot Rod` Williams has left the team to return to Cleveland, where he has been hospitalized with a bronchial infection.Sacramento Kings -- Announced that G Walt Williams (Maryland) was sent home with severe bronchitis.FootballNew Orleans Saints -- Signed five-time Pro Bowl CB Eric Allen to a five-year, $14 million offer sheet.

BaseballMajor League Baseball -- Awarded the 1997 All-Star Game to Cleveland.Houston Astros -- Named Tim Tolman manager of Double-A Jackson.Minnesota Twins -- Signed C Matt Merullo, who batted .300 for the Cleveland Indians' Triple-A team last season.New York Mets -- Named Toby Harrah manager of Triple-A Norfolk.New York Yankees -- Announced the resignation of chief of operations Jack Lawn.Oakland Athletics -- Promoted Alan Ledford to VP of business operations.Philadelphia Phillies -- Announced that manager Bill Dancy and hitting coach Bill Robinson will return to Double-A Reading.

BaseballPhiladelphia Phillies -- Activated 1B John Kruk from the DL. Sent OF Tim Marsh to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.Seattle Mariners -- Placed C Mackey Sasser on the 15-day DL, retroactive to April 10, with a sprained right knee. Purchased the contract of OF Darren Bragg from Triple-A Calgary. Designated C Chris Howard for assignment.Toronto Blue Jays -- Named Jerry Walker special assignment scout.BasketballPhoenix Suns -- Activated G Elliot Perry. Placed F Jerrod Mustaf (Maryland) on the injured list.

BaseballFlorida Marlins -- Announced that P Jeff Mutis has cleared waivers and outrighted him to Triple-A Edmonton.New York Mets -- Announced that P Pete Schourek had been waived and was claimed by the Cincinnati Reds. Recalled P Doug Linton from Triple-A Norfolk.BasketballBoston Celtics -- Signed G Todd Lichti to a second 10-day contract.Minnesota Timberwolves -- Placed C Stacey King on the injured list and actived G Stanley Jackson.Sacramento Kings -- Announced that G-F Walt Williams will miss the remainder of the season because of a sprain of his lower right leg.CollegeCollegiate Track Conference -- Added Allentown College to its membership.

BaseballCalifornia Angels -- Agreed to terms with IF Ernest Riles on a minor-league contract.Chicago White Sox -- Agreed to terms with P Terry Leach on a minor-league contract and invited him to spring training as a nonroster player.Houston Astros -- P Al Osuna (3-1, 4.50 ERA) lost his arbitration case and was awarded a 1994 salary of $375,000; he had asked for $975,000.Kansas City Royals -- Announced that the No. 20 worn by 2B Frank White, an eight-time Gold Glove winner, will be retired Sept.