Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat has named fatigue as one of the reasons behind their laborious 101-97 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night.

The Wizards rose victorious at the Verizon Center, but they almost gave the game away after nearly blowing a 10-point lead with just over two minutes to play.

"We call this fatigue. We call this fatigue and too relaxed," Gortat told reporters after the match.

"I'm glad we won that game. Otherwise, I'd probably shoot myself at home."

The victory sees the Wizards occupying second position in the Southeast Division with a record of 38-35 for the season.