I totally agree, especially about the court. Even with Lives flaws, I just love the spacing and more "open court" I love penetrating, watching the defense converge, and then popping the ball out to the open man. That is just really really lacking in 2K9. Last night, I was playing 2K9 after playing Live, and it just seemed so unresponsive, and the players seem so clumped up. Plus they hardly ever take mid range shots in 2K9 unless the clock is running out.
I think I will just stick with Live and try to find sliders that fit me. If they would just patch the fast break situation, Live would be darn near perfect for me. Man, next year has real promise if EA doesn't take 2 steps forward and 3 steps back like they do sometimes.