Whales or big players didn't have full control over the market, what they can actually do is to pull or push the prices a little bit with their massive sellout or buyout, and that usually accompanied by some news that might affect the market sentiments. If people will buy the news, then that would be the time the market would react depends on the retail investor's activity.
There were no certain reason why the prices are going up and down other than the supply and demand in the market.