River Push -EV?

Full Tilt Poker
No Limit Holdem Ring game
Blinds: $0.25/$0.50
4 players
Converter

Stack sizes:
UTG: $79.85
Button: $70.05
SB: $46.40
Hero: $53.40

Pre-flop: (4 players) Hero is BB with Q:heart: 9:heart:
UTG folds, Button raises to $1.75, SB calls, Hero calls.

Flop: 9:club: 5:heart: K:heart: ($5.25, 3 players)
SB checks, Hero checks, Button bets $4, SB folds, Hero calls.

Turn: A:club: ($13.25, 2 players)
Hero checks, Button bets $10, Hero calls.

River: 9:diamond: ($33.25, 2 players)
Hero is all-in $37.65, Button folds.
Uncalled bets: $37.65 returned to Hero.

Results:
Final pot: $33.25

The bet on the turn suggests to me that he is either trying to push me off the flush draw or senses weakness and so is trying to just push me off my hand. Since the flush draw missed, should check-raising have been the standard play here?

IMO your push is an example of a situation where stronger hands will call and weaker fold.

check call here.

I like a value bet of ~$15

The turn call is a little dicey.

yes b3b flop is the way to go here

you gave him every reason to fold a hand he may value bet on the river here.