The NBA instituted a three-point line for the 1979–80 season. It was the same distance as it is today and Boston Celtics guard Chris Ford became the first player to hit a three-pointer in an NBA ...

The NBA introduced the three-point line during the 1979-1980 season. Chris Ford, of the Boston Celtics, made the first three-point shot in NBA history on Oct. 12, 1979.