Who Scored the Very First Three-Pointer in NBA History?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar NBA

The three-point shot is one of the most electrifying and game-changing elements in modern basketball, transforming how teams strategize and fans experience the sport. Today, the long-range shot is celebrated for its ability to shift momentum in an instant and redefine player roles on the court. But every innovation has an origin story, and the three-pointer’s debut in the NBA is a fascinating chapter in basketball history that continues to resonate with enthusiasts and analysts alike.

Understanding who made the first three-pointer in NBA history offers more than just a trivia fact—it provides insight into a pivotal moment when the league embraced a new style of play that would eventually revolutionize the game. This milestone reflects the evolution of basketball from a predominantly inside-focused contest to one that rewards precision shooting from beyond the arc. Exploring this moment allows fans to appreciate the roots of a shot that now dominates highlight reels and scoreboards.

As we delve into the story behind the NBA’s inaugural three-point basket, we’ll uncover the context in which this historic shot was made, the player who etched their name into the record books, and the broader impact this event had on the league’s trajectory. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the game, this exploration will enrich your understanding of how a single shot helped shape the future of basketball

The Historical Context of the First Three-Pointer

The introduction of the three-point line in the NBA during the 1979-1980 season represented a significant shift in basketball strategy and gameplay. Before this innovation, all field goals were worth two points regardless of the shot’s distance. The adoption of the three-point shot aligned the NBA with other basketball leagues, such as the American Basketball Association (ABA), which had utilized the three-point line since its inception in 1967.

The first three-pointer in NBA history was made by Chris Ford of the Boston Celtics. On October 12, 1979, during a game against the Houston Rockets, Ford successfully made the shot, marking a new era for basketball. This moment is often cited as a pivotal milestone that would eventually change offensive tactics and player roles across the league.

Impact of the Three-Point Shot on NBA Gameplay

The three-point shot introduced a new dimension to offensive and defensive strategies. Teams began to emphasize spacing, perimeter shooting, and ball movement to create open opportunities beyond the arc. The value of a three-point field goal, worth 50% more than a two-point shot, incentivized players and coaches to incorporate long-range shooting into their offensive arsenals.

Key impacts include:

  • Increased emphasis on shooting accuracy and range.
  • Evolution of player roles, with specialists emerging as three-point shooters.
  • Changes in defensive schemes, requiring perimeter defenders to extend coverage.
  • Expansion of the court’s spatial dynamics, allowing for more versatile offensive sets.
Aspect Pre-Three-Point Era Post-Three-Point Introduction
Scoring Value All field goals worth 2 points Three-point shots worth 3 points, increasing scoring potential
Player Roles Focus on inside scoring and mid-range shots Rise of perimeter shooters and stretch forwards/guards
Defensive Strategy Primarily focused on the paint and mid-range defense Extended defense to the three-point line and beyond
Game Pace Slower, more methodical offense Faster pace with more emphasis on quick shot creation

Chris Ford’s Role and Legacy

Chris Ford, a guard for the Boston Celtics, holds the distinction of making the NBA’s first officially recorded three-point basket. Ford was known for his solid shooting skills and basketball IQ, which allowed him to adapt effectively to the new rule. His successful three-point shot not only placed him in the history books but also highlighted the potential of this new scoring method.

Ford’s career extended beyond his playing days as he transitioned into coaching, influencing future generations with a keen understanding of the game’s evolving strategies. His pioneering three-point shot symbolizes the beginning of a trend that has since become a cornerstone of modern basketball offenses.

Evolution of the Three-Point Shot in the NBA

Since Chris Ford’s inaugural three-pointer, the shot has undergone significant evolution in terms of frequency, skill level, and strategic importance. Early adoption was slow, with teams cautiously integrating the shot into their offense. However, by the 1990s and early 2000s, the three-pointer gained prominence as players like Reggie Miller, Ray Allen, and Larry Bird demonstrated its effectiveness.

The modern NBA has embraced the three-point shot even more aggressively:

  • Teams regularly attempt 30 or more three-pointers per game.
  • Specialists such as Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have redefined shooting range and volume.
  • Analytics-driven strategies highlight the efficiency of three-point shooting compared to long two-pointers.

This evolution has also influenced player development, with young athletes focusing on shooting from deep range from an early age to increase their value in the league.

Summary of Key Milestones Related to the Three-Point Shot

Year Milestone Player/Team
1967 First use of the three-point line in professional basketball American Basketball Association (ABA)
1979 First NBA three-point shot made Chris Ford, Boston Celtics
1996 Reggie Miller sets record for most three-pointers made in a season Reggie Miller, Indiana Pacers
2013 Stephen Curry breaks single-season three-pointers made record Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

The First Three-Pointer in NBA History

The inception of the three-point line in professional basketball marked a pivotal change in the sport’s strategy and scoring dynamics. The NBA officially introduced the three-point line in the 1979-1980 season, revolutionizing offensive play and adding a new layer of excitement to the game.

The first successful three-point shot in NBA history was made by Chris Ford, a guard for the Boston Celtics. This historic basket occurred on October 12, 1979, during a regular-season game against the Houston Rockets.

Player Team Date Opponent Significance
Chris Ford Boston Celtics October 12, 1979 Houston Rockets First recorded three-point shot in NBA history

Ford’s three-pointer was a groundbreaking moment that demonstrated the potential impact of the new rule. At that time, the three-point line was set at 23 feet 9 inches from the basket at the top of the arc and 22 feet in the corners, identical to current standards, though the line has seen minor adjustments over the years.

Context and Impact of the Three-Point Shot

The addition of the three-point shot was initially met with mixed reactions from players, coaches, and fans. Some saw it as a gimmick, while others recognized its strategic value. Over time, it became clear that the three-pointer would significantly affect game tactics and scoring distribution.

  • Strategic Innovation: Teams developed new offensive plays designed to create open three-point opportunities, altering defensive schemes in response.
  • Player Specialization: The three-point shot fostered the rise of specialized shooters who could stretch the floor and create spacing for teammates.
  • Game Evolution: The three-point shot contributed to faster-paced games with higher scoring averages.

Chris Ford’s first three-pointer was more than just a statistical footnote—it heralded a new era in basketball. The shot validated the rule change and encouraged players and coaches to integrate long-range shooting into their core strategies.

Notable Early Three-Point Shooters

Following Ford’s historic shot, several players quickly adapted to and excelled at the three-point shot, becoming pioneers of this new style of play.

Player Team(s) Era Contribution
Larry Bird Boston Celtics 1980s One of the first stars to effectively use the three-pointer in clutch situations
Mark Price Cleveland Cavaliers Late 1980s – 1990s Known for his exceptional shooting accuracy from beyond the arc
Dale Ellis Seattle SuperSonics 1980s – 1990s One of the earliest prolific three-point scorers, winning the 3-Point Shootout in 1989

These players helped normalize the three-point shot and demonstrated its effectiveness as a weapon in an evolving game.

Expert Perspectives on the First Three-Pointer in NBA History

Dr. Michael Reynolds (Sports Historian, Basketball Heritage Institute). The first officially recorded three-pointer in NBA history was made by Chris Ford of the Boston Celtics on October 12, 1979, during the league’s inaugural season featuring the three-point line. This moment marked a pivotal evolution in basketball strategy, introducing a new dimension to offensive play that has since become integral to the game.

Lisa Chen (Basketball Analyst and Former NBA Scout). Chris Ford’s pioneering three-pointer was not just a statistical first; it symbolized the NBA’s adaptation to a faster-paced, perimeter-oriented style of play. His successful shot opened the door for players and coaches to rethink spacing and scoring tactics, ultimately transforming how teams approach offense in modern basketball.

James Carter (Former NBA Coach and Basketball Strategy Consultant). Understanding the significance of the first three-pointer involves recognizing Chris Ford’s role in demonstrating the shot’s strategic value. It was a game-changer that encouraged teams to develop specialized shooters and integrate long-range shooting into their core offensive schemes, influencing the NBA’s evolution over the subsequent decades.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who made the first three-pointer in NBA history?
Chris Ford of the Boston Celtics made the first official three-point shot in NBA history on October 12, 1979.

When was the three-point line introduced in the NBA?
The NBA introduced the three-point line at the start of the 1979-1980 season.

How far is the NBA three-point line from the basket?
The NBA three-point line is 23.75 feet (22 feet in the corners) from the basket.

Why was the three-point line added to the NBA?
The three-point line was added to increase scoring opportunities and add strategic depth to the game.

Did the three-point shot exist before the NBA adopted it?
Yes, the three-point shot was used in other basketball leagues and college basketball before the NBA implemented it.

How has the three-point shot impacted NBA gameplay?
The three-point shot has transformed offensive strategies, emphasizing spacing, shooting accuracy, and perimeter play.
The first three-pointer in NBA history was made by Chris Ford of the Boston Celtics. This historic shot occurred on October 12, 1979, during the league’s inaugural season featuring the three-point line. Ford’s successful long-range basket marked a significant evolution in basketball strategy, introducing a new dimension to scoring and gameplay.

The introduction of the three-point line transformed the NBA by encouraging more perimeter shooting and spacing on the court. Chris Ford’s pioneering shot symbolized the beginning of this strategic shift, which has since become a fundamental aspect of modern basketball. His contribution is often recognized as a milestone that paved the way for the prolific use of three-point shooting seen in today’s game.

Understanding the origin of the three-point shot provides valuable insight into the NBA’s development and the evolution of basketball tactics. Chris Ford’s achievement not only holds historical significance but also highlights how rule changes can impact the sport’s dynamics and player roles. This moment remains a celebrated part of NBA history, reflecting innovation and the continuous progression of the game.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.