From head coach Jacque Vaughn to general manager Sean Marks markedly up the chain of command, the Nets endured wicked criticism following Friday’s distressing road loss to the Washington Wizards. Much of that criticism was justified, to be fair. Despite an inspired start on offense, Brooklyn (15-18) still ended 2023 with a 124-108 loss on Sunday night in Oklahoma City. But the fight it showcased against the No. 2 team in the Western Conference was notable, and it was clear that the team wanted to shake at least some of its pessimistic narratives entering the new year. Brooklyn deserves some cr…