Chris Ford, former Celtics player who made NBA’s first three-point basket, dies at 74

Chris Ford, a former Boston Celtics player and coach who is famously credited with knocking down the NBA’s first three-point basket, passed away Tuesday at the age of 74.

In a statement, Ford’s family wrote, “Chris was beloved by his family, friends, and teammates. He had a great love for his family, the city of Boston, the fans, and the entire Celtics family. He always showed humility and respect for all those that were fortunate enough to be a part of his life.”

Ford’s career spanned over a decade of Celtics basketball and he was a member of three Celtics teams that captured world championships, one as a key player on the 1981 squad, and subsequently as an assistant coach for the 1984 and 1986 title winners.

Ford later went on to become the 11th head coach in Celtics history, leading the likes of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish to multiple playoff appearances in the final years that the trio spent playing together.

“Doc,” as he was affectionately known by his teammates, was a fundamentally versatile all-around guard. On Oct. 12, 1979, he scored the first-ever NBA three-point shot.

“The Boston Celtics sends their deepest sympathies to the Ford family and their many friends,” the team said in a statement.

Before joining the Celtics during the 1978-79 season, Ford spent parts of six seasons with the rival Detroit Pistons.

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