The energy was electric outside Little Caesars Arena on Tuesday, May 5, as Detroit Pistons fans gathered for a moment they’d been waiting nearly two decades to experience: Game 1 of the NBA playoffs’ second round. For the first time in 18 years, the Pistons are back in the hunt, and the Motor City showed up in full force.

Hours before tip-off, the arena plaza buzzed with music from a ticketed fan event, while nearby, Tigers fans and their four-legged friends made their way to Comerica Park for a Bark in the Park game against the Red Sox—a perfect Detroit sports doubleheader, with first pitch scheduled just 20 minutes before the Pistons’ game began.

Among those waiting outside the arena 2.5 hours early were lifelong fans Kendra Robinson, 52, and her husband James Robinson, 48, of Detroit. For them, this season feels like a long-awaited dream. “We’ve been waiting for a season like this for years,” Kendra said. “This could be the year we finally bring home a championship.” She described herself as “grateful and blessed” to be a Pistons fan, crediting the team’s deep friendship, mutual respect, and strong coaching for their playoff push.

She also singled out star guard Cade Cunningham as a key factor. “This is so amazing and exciting that Cade wants to be with us,” she added. “He could be on any team he wants, but he chose to stay and bring us a championship.”

With the Pistons facing the Cleveland Cavaliers in this pivotal series, the city’s basketball spirit is at an all-time high—and fans are already dreaming of what’s next.