Wizards' Gortat was limited in Game 6 loss due to food poisoning

If any observers were wondering why Kevin Seraphin saw the bulk of second-half action at center for the Washington Wizards in their Game 6 elimination loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, the answer was apparently Marcin Gortat's food poisoning.

For Gortat, it was a tough pill to swallow.

"I apologize for that," the Polish big man told reporters after the 94-91 loss. "Too bad for the most important game of the season ... I wasn't able to play (much)."

Gortat said he became ill following the Wizards' Game 5 loss in Atlanta on Wednesday, after he ate something that disagreed with him.

"Quite honestly it (expletive) me over. (I was) puking the whole day (Thursday)," he said. "I'm glad I was able to come out and win the (jump) ball."

Gortat played 12 minutes total - and only four in the second half. He finished with two points and three rebounds on 1-of-4 shooting. Wizards coach Randy Wittman said his center was almost a late scratch for the game.

"March was sick all night last night, throwing up all day today, IVs last night, IVs all day today," Wittman said. "He tried to do what he could do but he didn't have any energy. I appreciate him giving me the effort and trying."