Bucks fans dreaming big after blowout win over the Bulls sends them to the second round

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Bucks' blowout win over the Bulls in Game 5 of the first-round series was just what thousands of fans wanted to see as the title defense rolled into the second round.

Thousands of fans gathered throughout the Milwaukee area to watch the Bucks secure another series victory.

Despite the weather and despite it being just the first round, Bucks fans were happy to celebrate another step towards another title.

CJ Papara is a manager at The 4^th Base Restaurant in West Milwaukee. He said, "It's humbling to win one, you're like 'we can't win every year, right?' Or can you win it every year?"

Papara was busy hours before tipoff as regulars and fans gathered at The 4^th Base.

Chilly temperatures meant few people were outside in the Deer District, but bars and restaurants throughout the area were packed well before tipoff.

Bucks fan Mary Raciti said, "We always go out because I don't have cable. It gets expensive, last year got expensive."

Few tables and bar stools were available at Leff's Lucky Town in Wauwatosa as family and friends gathered to watch together.

Bucks fan Karley Haar said, "The experience is just way more fun. Everyone is completely into the game. If I was at home, I'd be alone and not as fun. Not nearly as fun."

Downtown, the crowds stayed warm inside the bars. And as fans headed into Fiserv Forum, we bumped into what may be the only Celtics fan in the city.

Jordan Auerbach smiled as he said he was "Trash-talking all night. All I can really say is it's a bad time to be a Bucks fan."

Jordan Auerbach said he's scouting the Bucks while in town on a work trip. He wasn't shy about anything, especially his prediction for the second round: "Celtics in 4. We have 12 more wins until the Finals, that's it, end of story." When asked if he was using his head or heart in predicting the sweep, he said, "That's a little of both."

But Bucks fans were a little more practical with their predictions, while still keeping expectations high.

CJ Papara said, "You know, if Middleton comes back then I like our chances in 7. But without him it will definitely be tough."

And Mary Raciti said, "I think they're going to go all the way."

We also talked to some of the food trucks that line Water Street to see if business is better on game days, but a few told us the cold weather has had more of a negative impact. They're hoping that will change when the second round gets underway in a few days.