USA trailed early before taking a 47-43 half-time lead and pulling away with a dominant second-half, piling on 72 points.
Kevin Durant starred with 23 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Jayson Tatum top scored with 27 points.
USA had lost their opening game at the Olympics to France, having suffered defeats to Nigeria and Australia in exhibition games in the lead-up to the Games.
“We were behind the eight ball in the beginning and we’re making some fast progress,” Popovich said.
“I think the losses in the beginning put a laser focus on how you have to play with these rules, in this environment, against these talented teams who execute wonderfully. And if you do not have respect for your opponent, you’re going to be in big trouble.
“We learned that the hard way, but it also was a difficult beginning, not being able to have a team together.
“So under some unusual circumstances, I think our guys really focused well and did a good job in gaining ground day-by-day, practice-by-practice, and hopefully well continue that as we move forward - and we have to, if we want to be successful.”
Durant passed Carmelo Anthony during the game to become USAs leading scorer at the Olympic Games.
The Brooklyn Nets star said he wasn’t feeling any additional pressure as a leader and star of the side.
“I’ve had a lot asked of me on every team I’ve played on since I was eight years old,” Durant said.
“Every coach expecting me to go out there and adapt to any situation, so it’s no different here.”