In the 1979 -- 80 season, after having tested it in the previous pre-season, the NBA adopted the three - point line despite the view of many that it was a gimmick. Chris Ford of the Boston Celtics is widely credited with making the first three - point shot in NBA history on October 12, 1979. Kevin Grevey of the Washington Bullets also made one on the same day.
when did the nba get the 3 point line
1979 -- 80 season