Viewpoint / Letters : Maybe Writer Didn’t Do Such a Thoreau Job

I have just read Scott Ostler’s recap of Game 4 of the Celtics-Rockets series in which Ostler says: “In the first half, Walton played like Thoreau.” I’m confused. Even though I was a literature major, I don’t understand this allusion which I assume is a slur on Thoreau’s scoring and rebounding ability. I do remember some vague connection between Thoreau and New England, but did Thoreau play for the Celtics? Or was Ostler just trying to flash his knowledge of Thoreau’s “On Walton Pond”?

Maybe Thoreau should not have attempted basketball and Ostler should not have attempted writing.

JOHN VASI

Santa Barbara