When Did the NBA Start Using the 3-Point Shot?

The 3-point shot has been a staple of the NBA for decades, but when did it first make an appearance? We take a look at the history of the 3-point shot in the NBA!

The Early Years

The 3-point shot was first used in the NBA during the 1979-80 season. It was experimented with in the ABA prior to that, but it wasn’t until the NBA adopted it that it became a staple of the game. Let’s take a look at how the 3-point shot has changed the game of basketball.

The ABA introduces the 3-point shot

In the 1967-68 season, the American Basketball Association (ABA) became the first major basketball league to introduce the 3-point shot. The ABA’s version of the 3-pointer was a bit different from the one used in the NBA today: it was a straight-up shot from anywhere behind a semi-circle that was drawn 24 feet from the basket.

The ABA’s 3-point shot was an instant success, with players like Rick Barry and Jimmy Jones making it a key part of their offensive repertoire. In fact, Jones set an ABA record by hitting 57 3-pointers in a single season. The NBA took notice of the ABA’s innovation, and adopted the 3-point shot for its own use in 1979.

The NBA adopts the 3-point shot

The 3-point shot was first introduced to the NBA in the 1979-80 season, but it wasn’t widely used until the late 1980s. By the early 1990s, the 3-point shot had become a significant part of the game and it has remained so ever since.

Today, the 3-point shot is an important part of most team’s offensive strategy. Many teams have players who specialize in shooting 3-pointers, and some players have even made a career out of it. The 3-point shot has also had a big impact on how the game is played, as it has opened up the court and made for some very exciting basketball.

The Modern Era

The NBA has been using the 3-point shot for over 35 years now. It was first introduced in the 1979-80 season. The league has seen many changes since then, but the 3-point shot has remained a staple of the game.

The 3-point shot becomes more popular

In the 1980s, the NBA began to experiment with the 3-point shot, making it a permanent part of the game in the 1979-80 season. The 3-point shot has since become one of the most popular and iconic features of basketball, with players like Stephen Curry and Kobe Bryant becoming known for their long-distance shooting prowess.

The 3-point shot becomes a staple of the NBA

In the 1979-80 season, the NBA experimentally introduced the 3-point shot. The line was placed 22 feet (6.7 m) away from the basket in all corners and 23 feet (7.0 m) in all other areas. The following season, it became a permanent rule change.

With the 3-point shot now a part of NBA basketball, players and teams began to change the way they played the game. More players began to focus on shooting from behind the arc and teams began to develop strategies specifically for taking and making 3-pointers.

The 3-point shot has had a profound impact on the way basketball is played at the highest level. It has also made the game more exciting and enjoyable for fans to watch.