1. A non-volatile memory storage system, comprising: a memory configured to store a storage system firmware; a non-volatile memory cell array configured to maintain a metablock, the metablock comprising a logical group and a buffer portion; and a processor in communication with the memory and the non-volatile memory cell array, the processor being configured to execute the storage system firmware stored in the memory, the storage system firmware comprising program instructions for: receiving a write command to write a memory write to a metablock; performing a first portion of a garbage collection operation; and storing the memory write in a buffer portion of the metablock.