Meek Mill wanted Ben Simmons to guard Trae Young

Rapper Meek Mill was telling Ben Simmons to guard Trae Young during Game 3 between the Philadelphia 76ers and Atlanta Hawks.

The Philadelphia 76ers are looking to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2001, but the Atlanta Hawks stand in their way. The key to defeating the Hawks is to prevent Trae Young from getting on a hot streak. The 76ers have the best chance in doing so with their defensive play, specifically from Ben Simmons.

During Game 3 in Atlanta on Friday, Young was preparing to inbound the ball with Simmons standing in front of him. Rapper Meek Mill, who was sitting at court-side, pulled down his face mask and told Simmons to “take advantage” of Young.

Meek Mill tells Ben Simmons to guard Trae Young during Game 3

What Meek Mill was saying was probably uttered by every single 76ers fan this series, especially after Game 1.

In the opening game of the series, 76ers head coach Doc Rivers had Danny Green guard Young 55 percent of the time, and it led to the Hawks star scoring 35 points while shooting 11-for-23 from the field. Game 2 was a much different story, as Simmons and Matisse Thybulle split defensive duties on Young, and it worked. Young scored 21 points while shooting 6-for-16 from the field and 1-for-7 from 3-point range.

In Game 3, Simmons matched up against Young 58 percent of the time, and the Hawks guard finished the contest shooting 9-for-17 from the field for 28 points (3-for-6 from 3). These stats are all courtesy of The Athletic’s Seth Partnow, which can be viewed in the tweet below.

The 76ers defeated the Hawks 127-111 in Game 3, and will look to extend their series lead 3-1 with a victory on Monday night. Again, Philadelphia’s best chances of winning come by stopping Young.