The results are the only thing that changed for Reggie Jackson in the new year.

The Nuggets’ veteran point guard closed last year on a cold streak, making just 14 of his 48 shots (29.2%) over a six-game stretch. In Denver’s first game of 2024, Jackson bounced back by making 6 of 11 shots to lead Nuggets reserves with 15 points in a comfortable win over Charlotte on New Year’s Day.

Nothing changed but the percentages.

“Definitely, I’ve gone through a spell. I haven’t shot as well the last couple of games,” Jackson said after Wednesday’s practice. “Shoot, I think last game was my best shooting performance in like five (games). It is what it is, but you trust the work.”

Nuggets coach Michael Malone backed up Jackson’s stance.

“He just had a really good game, nothing different,” Malone said. “Reggie’s had a great year for us. He had some games where he had been struggling to make shots, but it was just him finding that rhythm, going out there and playing at a high level.”

The easiest explanation is likely health. The 33-year-old dealt with a skin lesion and left calf tightness during that stretch, but he’s one of only three Nuggets to appear in all 35 games alongside Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun.

“It’s a little tight, fatigued. It’s a minor strain, so you just deal with it, figure out a way to manage it,” Jackson said of his calf. “We’ve got a great coaching staff, great medical staff and training staff. We’re working together, figuring out a plan that allows me to continue to play.”

After a solid preseason, Jackson eased into his role as the lead guard of Denver’s second unit in four October games, scoring in double figures once and shooting 47% from the field. November brought an injury to Jamal Murray that thrust Jackson into the starting lineup for most of the month. He stepped up, scoring 14 or more points in 10 of Denver’s final 13 games of the month.

“It feels like I’ve got the Avengers,” Jackson said of playing alongside the starters. “I’m always happy to run with that crew.

The highlight of Jackson’s season was a 35-point, 13-assist outing in a win against the Clippers, his former team, when Denver was without Murray and Nikola Jokic on Nov. 27. He finished the month averaging 14.1 points on 50% shooting from the field and 41% from 3. A cold stretch in December saw those numbers dip to 11.5 points on 43% from the field and 36% from 3, but the routine remains the same ahead of Thursday’s game at Golden State.

“The same work that I put in that allowed me to start off hot, I believe is going to be the same that allows me get out of a shooting slump,” Jackson said.

“Trust the work, and you try to take better shots, take your shots, take great shots. From there, you just play your percentages.”

Nuggets guard Reggie Jackson competes Monday in Denver.

The Associated Press