"Ginebra did its homework well. Theyre hungrier and maybe thats the reason why they were more focused in the series than us," said Chua after the Kings denied them a third PBA crown before a throng of fans.
"Our team, on the other hand, became lax. Complacency did us in," Chua added.
The amiable Red Bull team manager, however, stressed hes proud of what his team has achieved, considering all the adversities and trials they had to overcome to make the finals.
"After all the problems we encountered in the tournament, talagang magandang achievement na sa amin ito," said Chua.
The Thunder gained the distinction the "Comeback Kid" of the tournament after surviving trials including five import changes, a 25-point deficit versus Shell in a wildcard knockout tiff, ouster of coach Yeng Guiao against San Miguel in the quarterfinals and a 0-1 hole versus Coke in the semifinals.
Guiao said combination of hardwork and luck carried them to the finals. Alas, the Thunder ran out of luck in the finals.
Ginebra finished off Red Bull Barako in four games, clinching the crown with a 103-86 rout before a crowd of over 16,000 at the Big Dome.
Chua said his team will take a brief rest before resuming practice sessions in August.
Meanwhile, Chua expressed regrets they still have yet to receive official statement from the PBA Commissioners Office regarding the controversial dragon dance staged by Ginebra-hired talents in Game Two last Friday.
"Unfortunately, while we have received words of apology from San Miguel Corp. top management who have apologized profusely for the incident, there has been no official statement from the Office of the Commissioner as of this writing," said Photokina Marketing Corp. senior vice president George Balagtas in a letter of protest to league chairman Buddy Encarnado.
PBA commissioner Noli Eala has told The STAR: "Its regrettable. As far as we are concerned that (the incident) should not happen. The spirit of sportsmanship was disparaged. That cant be tolerated."