Team USA's 25-game winning run in the men's basketball at the Games was ended by France last week but they responded with a 120-66 victory against Iran on Wednesday.
That loss to France followed exhibition defeats to Australia and Nigeria in the build-up to the event, leading to questions over the cohesion of the record 15-time gold medallists.
But Gregg Popovich's side answered those critics against Iran with a comprehensive victory in which they played fast, aggressive basketball throughout.
Damian Lillard, one of those to come in for heavy criticism following the opening-game defeat, top-scored with 21 points, all from beyond the arc.
USA knocked down 19 3-pointers and 22 of their 37 shots (62 per cent) inside the arc as they showed signs of the quality that has taken them to three successive gold medals.
Brooklyn Nets forward Durant insists the chemistry of the side was never in question as he highlighted the changes made between matches.
"After a tough loss last game, today we came out with more freedom as individuals and took the shots that we normally like to take," Durant said.
"They went in tonight, and we guarded up, so it was a good step.
"I felt like we were in sync last game, but like I've been saying, it's a make or miss game today.
"We created good shots last game and I think today it's the continuity of what we've been doing over the last week. We finally capitalised on the stuff that we've been working on.
"Like I said, our chemistry has been great since day one. We're all excited to be here, I mean this is the Olympics, this is the national team.
"But I think we were a bit too unselfish early on and tried not to step on toes. That bit us before.
"Tonight the guys came out there and were super aggressive to look for their shot but also keep everybody involved, and we were able to make some shots.
"Damian came out, got it scorching for us, so we're going to need that going forward."
Head coach Popovich rotated his roster against Iran by bringing in Jrue Holiday and Devin Booker, who were brought off the bench against France.
"In the last game we have to play two 'bigs' and I think that might have clogged it up a bit for us all offensively," Durant added.
"Defensively we've been solid the whole time, but offensively we were trying to find our rhythm.
"I played the four [position], so I was able to stretch the floor a bit and give guys space and we were able to get some confidence and knock some shots down."
A victory over the Czech Republic on Saturday will guarantee the world's top-ranked side a place in the quarter-finals.
That next match will also provide Durant with his next opportunity to surpass Carmelo Anthony as USA men's basketball all-time Olympic top scorer.
Durant managed 10 points against Iran, moving him to within five of Antony's record (336).
Durant did not play any of the pre-Olympic warm-up games due to a calf injury and was only cleared to play for the USA an hour before their opener started.
However, he made a huge impact in just 17 minutes, nailing his first eight shots, including five 3-pointers, as he scored 23 points.
After being touch-and-go for the tournament, with coach Steve Kerr reluctant to rush him back too early, Davis says the team knew he would be ready when called upon.
"We expect nothing less," he said. "We know what he can do when the ball is in his hand, and he got hot. It was fun to watch his first time, second time, 12th.
"To see and be a fan and actually get a chance to cheer for him instead of rooting against [him] with his scoring ability – man, it was fun to watch."
Durant was not the only one in fine form, as LeBron James marked his Olympic comeback with a standout performance, getting 21 points, eight rebounds and nine assists as he provided a spark.
James and Durant also became the first USA team-mates to both score over 20 points in an Olympic opener.
The 39-year-old, playing his first contest at the Games since 2012, when he won his second consecutive gold medal, was full of praise for Durant and the team as the USA chase a sixth title in a row.
"I mean [Durant] is just an out-of-this-world talent," he said after the game. "That's the best game we played so far.
"[I'll do] Whatever it takes [to win]. It's going to be somebody different every day. And we have that type of firepower."
Next up for Team USA in Group C is South Sudan, who made history in their Olympic debut earlier on Sunday.
Their basketball federation was only formed in 2011, and they beat Puerto Rico 90-79 for their first win at the Games.
Team USA stayed perfect by beating Puerto Rico 104-83 on Saturday, ensuring they sealed the top seed for the last eight.
That means the four-time reigning Olympic champions will take on the seventh seed, Brazil, for a place in the semi-finals.
Anthony Edwards led the USA with 26 points, while Joel Embiid chipped in with 15 and Kevin Durant delivered another fine substitute performance, scoring 11 points from the bench.
And while the USA have tallied up 317 points in their three wins so far, Kerr believes there is much more to come.
"I think we got done what we wanted to accomplish, winning all three games and securing the top seed," said Kerr.
"We know we have to play better. Part of this tournament is it gets harder as you go."
LeBron James added 10 points for the star-studded USA, and he knows it is now do-or-die.
"We know it's going to be difficult, it's going to be challenging," he said. "We better be ready to go."
In Group C's other game, Nikola Jokic scored 22 points and finished with 13 rebounds, while Bogdan Bogdanovic had 28 points, as Serbia saw off South Sudan 96-85.
While Serbia clinched the fourth seed to set up a meeting with Australia, South Sudan's inaugural Olympics campaign is over, with Greece scraping in as one of the two best third-placed teams.
Giannis Antetokounmpo's team will take on second seed Germany, who like the USA, won their three group games.
