Who Made the First Three Point Shot in the NBA?

The answer to the question of who made the first three point shot in the NBA may surprise you. Read on to find out who had this game-changing moment in basketball history.

Introduction

In the 1979-80 NBA season, the three-point field goal was introduced. The league experimented with the distance of the shot, settling on a 23-foot, 9-inch radius around the basket for the first season. Few players made an impact from beyond the arc that first year as shooters adjusted to the new distance; none more so than Mike Dunleavy Sr. of the Houston Rockets. In fact, Dunleavy holds the distinction of making not only the first three-pointer in NBA history but also the first three-point buzzer beater.

The Birth of the Three Point Shot

On October 12, 1979, in a game against the Houston Rockets, rookie player, Calvin Murphy, made history by sinking the first three point shot in NBA history. This game-changing event would go on to change the landscape of the sport forever.

The ABA Adds the Three Point Shot

In the fall of 1967, the American Basketball Association (ABA) was formed to rival the established NBA. One key difference between the two leagues was the ABA’s use of a three-point shot. This new rule was designed to create more scoring and make games more exciting for fans.

The three-point shot made its debut in the ABA during the 1968-69 season. The most famous player to take advantage of this new rule was none other than future Hall of Famer Rick Barry. Barry, who played for the San Francisco Warriors at the time, was one of the best shooters in basketball history. He would often shoot from well beyond the three-point line, and he quickly became known as one of the best long-range shooters in the game.

Barry wasn’t the only player to excel at shooting threes in the ABA. Several other players, such as Billy Cunningham and Connie Hawkins, also made a name for themselves as long-range specialists. However, it was Barry who would ultimately become known as the greatest three-point shooter in ABA history.

In 1976, the ABA merged with the NBA, and the three-point shot soon became a staple of basketball at all levels. Today, it is one of the most popular and exciting aspects of the game, and it has helped make players like Steph Curry into household names.

The NBA Adopts the Three Point Shot

In the 1979-80 season, the NBA adopted the three point shot. Although it would take a few years for the three point shot to really catch on, it has now become a staple of the game.

The three point shot was originally developed by an ABA (American Basketball Association) player named Rick Barry. Barry was one of the greatest players of his generation, and he was always looking for ways to improve his game. In 1967, Barry was playing for the San Francisco Warriors when he came up with the idea of the three point shot.

Barry’s idea was met with some resistance at first, but eventually it caught on. The NBA adopted the three point shot in 1980, and it has been a part of the game ever since.

Nowadays, the three point shot is an integral part of the game. Many players and teams rely on the three point shot to win games. In fact, some teams are built around shooting threes (such as the Golden State Warriors).

The three point shot has come a long way since it was first invented by Rick Barry. It is now an essential part of basketball, and it is here to stay.

The First Three Point Shot in NBA History

It was on October 12th, 1979 when history was made. Milwaukee Bucks player, Jon McGlocklin, made the very first three point shot in NBA history. The game was against the Chicago Bulls and the final score was Milwaukee Bucks 118, Chicago Bulls 106. McGlocklin’s shot changed the game of basketball forever and set the tone for years to come.

Chris Ford of the Boston Celtics

The first three point shot in NBA history was made by Chris Ford of the Boston Celtics on October 12, 1979. The game was against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Celtics lost, 103-102. Ford’s three point shot came with just seconds remaining in the game and cut the Cavaliers’ lead to one point. The Celtics would ultimately lose the game, but Ford’s shot changed the way basketball would be played forever.

Mike Dunleavy Sr. of the Milwaukee Bucks

Mike Dunleavy Sr. of the Milwaukee Bucks was the first player in NBA history to make a three point shot. On October 12, 1979, Dunleavy took a shot from beyond the arc and made it, giving the Bucks a lead they would never relinquish against the Nets. The three point shot has since become an integral part of basketball, and players like Steph Curry have made a name for themselves by being lethal from long range.

Steve Kerr of the Chicago Bulls

Steve Kerr of the Chicago Bulls made the first three point shot in NBA history on October 12, 1979. Kerr’s shot came in the final seconds of a pre-season game against the Portland Trail Blazers, and gave the Bulls a 108-107 victory. The three point shot would not become a regular part of NBA games until the 1979-80 season, when it was adopted as a experiment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is fair to say that the first three point shot in the NBA was made by Chris Ford of the Boston Celtics. Although there are other players who have made three point shots in the NBA before him, such as Mike Dunleavy Sr. and Dale Ellis, they were not credited with making the first three pointer in the NBA. Chris Ford’s shot was the first one that was officially recorded and he is therefore considered to be the player who made the first three point shot in the NBA.