WALTHAM, Mass. -- Delonte West averaged a career-high 12.2 points with the Celtics last season when he finally seemed to come around in his transformation from shooting guard at Saint Joseph’s to a point guard in the pros. He clearly was one of the players the Celtics did not want to let go in the deal with Seattle for Ray Allen.

Asked what he missed most about West, Boston coach Doc Rivers said: “His competitiveness. He’s as competitive of a person as I’ve ever been around. That’s what drives him. It sometimes got in his way, but he’s a competitive player and he’s always going to be a winner. He’s great for winning teams.”

West hit a huge 3-pointer in the final seconds to secure a win in Game Four of the Washington series.

-KEVIN McNAMARA