LaMarcus Aldridge has admitted that the Portland Trail Blazers were "sluggish" in their win over the Utah Jazz on Monday night.
The Blazers struggled to claim control in the first half at the EnergySolutions Arena but a strong third quarter display helped them to a 105-94 triumph.
"We played sluggish tonight," Aldridge told reporters after the game. "We didn't have that killer [instinct] in us tonight. Guys were just tired tonight.
"Every game can't be great. I thought tonight was a good win for us because we came here and didn't make shots, but guys still put it up."
Portland have made their best start to a season since the 1990-91 campaign.