The Boston Celtics have impressively overcome the loss of Gordon Hayward and have been one of the best teams in the league to start the season.They produced arguably their best win on Friday night as they overcame the star-studded Oklahoma City Thunder 101-94 on the road.Kyrie Irving was the star of the show as he took over in the second half and inspired the Celtics to the victory.He scored 22 of his 25 points after the break and was too hot for the Thunder defence to handle. The C's rallied from an 18-point deficit to secure their seventh consecutive win.In the process, the team made NBA history as they became the first team to lose its opening two games and go on to win seven on the bounce.

Many people had immediately written off their chances of competing for a championship after the gruesome injury to Hayward, but they're proving that they've still got enough talent to make it happen.

With Irving leading the team, they currently have the best record in the Eastern Conference and are looking like a real threat to end the Cleveland Cavaliers' reign this year.

Since their opening night loss to the Cavs and a home defeat against the Milwaukee Bucks a night later, Boston hasn't looked back and have played some terrific basketball.

The key to their success has been their work on the defensive end as they currently boast the league's best defence having allowed just 91.8 points per 100 possessions in the six wins prior to Friday's matchup against Oklahoma City.

Sophomore Jaylen Brown and rookie Jayson Tatum have thrived in larger roles, veteran Al Horford is finding a rhythm with his shot, and Irving is basking in the spotlight he yearned for with the Cavaliers as the Celtics' their floor general.

Much of the credit must also go to head coach Brad Stevens who is enhancing his reputation as one of the best coaches in the league.

Irving recently praised Stevens for his "intellectual mind" and said he's the type of coach he's been "craving" for his career.

But it's clear that the Celtics' good run is based on a strong team effort and everybody playing their part.

They host the 6-3 Orlando Magic on Sunday, who lost by 22 to the lowly Chicago Bulls on Friday. After that, their next three games are against teams that currently have a combined record of 9-17, so their winning ways likely won't be coming to a halt anytime soon.