In at least one embodiment, a data storage system includes a non-volatile memory array including a plurality of blocks of physical memory, each including multiple pages. The data storage system further includes a controller that maintains a data structure identifying blocks of physical memory in the memory array that currently do not store valid data. The controller, responsive to receipt of a write input/output operation (IOP) specifying an address and write data, selects a particular block from among the blocks identified in the data structure prior to a dwell time threshold for the particular block being satisfied, programs a page within the selected block with the write data, and associates the address with the selected block.