The Boston Celtics are starting to find their rhythm this year and Kyrie Irving believes his team is starting to embrace their identity on the defensive end. He also thinks that their defensive mentality leads to more opportunities on the offensive end.

“We're just pushing the pace,” Irving said to the Associated Press, who also had five assists, five rebounds and four steals. “I think our identity is on the defensive end. We just try to pressure them and use that to our advantage and create opportunities on the offensive end.”

Irving has never been known for his defensive prowess, but he has bought into head coach Brad Stevens' system since arriving in Boston. Irving and the Celtics set the tone defensively in the first quarter, only allowing the Atlanta Hawks to score 19 points.

Boston opened a 23-point lead in the first quarter and they coasted to victory at that point. The Hawks made a run in the second quarter, but Boston ratcheted up the defense in the third quarter and regained control over this one. Irving didn't even need to play in the fourth quarter to dispatch the Hawks.

After an inconsistent start, the Celtics are finding their groove and much of that starts on the defensive end. Boston is in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with an 18-10 record. As they continue to progress this season, expect the Celtics to continue to improve. As long as they're playing tough defense, the Celtics will be a tough out in the playoffs.