I got a question for you: In the 1979 -- 80 season, after having tested it in the previous pre-season, the NBA adopted the three-point line 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. Kevin Grevey of the Washington Bullets also made one on the same day.

Based on this passage, when did the nba institute the 3 point shot?
Let's think first:
The relevant information to answer the above question is: In the 1979 -- 80 season, after having tested it in the previous pre-season, the NBA adopted the three-point line despite the view of many that it was a gimmick.
Therefore, the answer is the 1979 -- 80 season.