<P> Three years later in June 1979 , the NBA adopted the three - point line for a one - year trial for the 1979 -- 80 season , 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 ; the season opener at Boston Garden was more noted for the debut of Larry Bird ( and two new head coaches ) . Rick Barry of the Houston Rockets , in his final season , also made one in the same game , and Kevin Grevey of the Washington Bullets made one that Friday night as well . </P>
<P> Three years later in June 1979 , the NBA adopted the three - point line for a one - year trial for the 1979 -- 80 season , 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 ; the season opener at Boston Garden was more noted for the debut of Larry Bird ( and two new head coaches ) . Rick Barry of the Houston Rockets , in his final season , also made one in the same game , and Kevin Grevey of the Washington Bullets made one that Friday night as well . </P>
when did nba start the 3 point line
when did nba start the 3 point line
in June 1979
in June 1979